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GLEHNINGS OF LEISURE HOURS; 



BY 




GEO. WILLIAA\SON. 



Gleanings of leisure hours, chips from life's stream, 
Garnered from many a fancy and dream, 
If from your presence one small modest ray 
Shall comfort the mourner or brighten love's way, 
If faith is made stronger or pleasure attained. 
Your mission's accomplished, your object is gained. 



PUKLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING CO., 

II JEFFERSON AVENUE, DETROIT, MICH. 

1894. 






DEDICATED 



TO THE 



ORDER OF RED CROSS AND KNIGHTS OF RED CROSS, 

THE HIGHLAND ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS, 

THE SCOTTISH ASSEMBLY OF CHICAGO, 

THE ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS, 

KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES, 

THE EASTERN STAR, 

ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETIES, 

"THE HOME CIRCLE," 

AND ALL FRATERNAL AND PATRIOTIC ORGANIZATIONS. 



PREFACE. 




*HE advent of a new singer, if his notes be true 
and tuneful, should be hailed with joy as a new 
voice added to that choir which no man can num- 
ber, and such I find in George Williamson. He is of the 
quiet, domestic order of poets, possessing an almost exu- 
berant fancy, a facile versification, and withal a pawky 
Scottish wit that is sure to please the average reader. 
His is a pure Castalian rill or fountain of Bandusia, where 
one may turn for a cool, refreshing draught. Our poet 
has that ease in versification which can arise only from 
spontaneity, singing as freely as the birds; and while his 
notes flow with an easy modulation the variety of his 
meters relieves his verse of anything like monotony. He 
has evidently a keen musical sense, which enables him to 
melodize in perfect harmony. His sentiments are fault- 
less, and there is nothing in the volume but what is 
kindly, ennobling and wise. Faith in the Divine Provi- 
dence and an ardent love for his fellow men, form a dia- 
pason which rings through his lines, to use his own words, 
" as some clear silvery bell." Like Abraham Lincoln, 
he gets near the heart of the people, and is the poet of the 
masses ra^ther than of the classes. He is easily understood, 
and has little in common with mysticism which makes 
such works as Browning's so difficult for the ordinary 



mind to interpret. The poem on "Good and Great" 
aptly illustrates the author's philosophy of life: — 

There is in every heart a void, 

That worldly honors cannot fill, 
An incompleteness oft allied 

To many forms of vice and ill; 
We may be great when far from good, 

But from pure wisdom's estimate 
That has the test of ages stood. 

The truly good are always great. 

Mr. Williamson is a native of Dumfriesshire, Scot- 
land, a region redolent of song, and has his due share of 
that ardent patriotism vv^hich ever distinguishes the natives 
of the " land of the mountain and the flood." He has 
traveled extensively, and filled many important positions 
as architect, master mechanic and builder. He has always 
taken an active interest in patriotic and fraternal organi- 
zations, has been president of several societies, and for the 
past ten years has been Supreme Scribe of the Order of 
Red Cross, vv^hich office he now holds. 

He is also an honorary member of the Highland Asso- 
ciation of Illinois, of the Scottish Assembly of Chicago, 
and a member of Detroit Lodge, No. 6, Ancient Order of 
United Workmen. 

Mr. Williamson's many friends will be pleased to 
know that in compliance with their wishes he now pub- 
lishes in book form his interesting poems. 

Robert Matiieson. 

j/j Medinah Temple, 

Chicago, III. 



INDEX 



Paoe . 

Song 9 

To a Rosebud lo 

Doubt and Hope 12 

Village Bells 14 

A Dream 16 

Death of a Child 17 

Hark the Herald : 18 

Sing at Work 21 

The Spirit Dove 23 

Do It Again 25 

The War of the Seasons 26 

To Mme Sadi Carnot 28 

Good and Great 30 

The Thistle and Rose 32 

Hope 34 

Footsteps at the Door 35 

Hustle 36 

To My Wife 38" 

The First Kiss 40 

Victor and Lenora 41 

Love is Not so Blind 51 

The Approach of Spring 52 

Farewell 53 

May 54 

Love of my Life 55 

To Mme. Michelena 56 

Ode to Night 58 

The Lilacs 61 

In Memory of My Brother, Wm Wil.iamson 62 

Beautiful Maiden of Waterloo 65 

The Flowers in Winter are Best 66 

Will You, Mary? 68 

Scotia's Shore 69 

Eulalie 70 

Lovely Burnett 71 

Lady Marjorie 72 

The Despot 74 

I am Far, Love, from Thee 75 

In Memoriam, Thomas Mearns 76 

Friends in Old Age 78 



Paqk. 

Golden Wedding Day 80 

Almost 82 

A Kiss 83 

June 84 

The Fading Year 85 

To P. D. McGregor 88 

Contentment 90 

Lilac Blossoms 92 

July 93 

The Beggar Duke 94 

Good Nigh'-Morn 105 

In Memoriam, W. I. Hastings 106 

In Memoriam, Children of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Ruben. .. 107 

How To Ask 108 

Canada no 

The Serenade in 

The Maids of Detroit 112 

Lovers' Quarrels 114 

Only Leone 115 

Santa Claus no 

In Memoriam, F. Wickham and Sisters ng 

My Own Dear Wife 120 

General Russell A. Alger 121 

Faith 122 

Empress of My Soul 123 

In Memoriam, Mrs. Noble's Father 124 

Trifles 126 

The First Letter 128 

Herring 130 

Because 132 

What Are You Now 134 

Happy New Year 136 

Mother 138 

Prayer at Sea 139 

To Miss Octa E. Wise 140 

Cupid 142 

The New Year 143 

To Mr. and Mrs. Durward Lely 146 

Conjecture 148 

The Old Way the Best 149 

In Memory of Lisle Bourke 150 

Help the Poor 152 

Fishing 154 

Leaving Spain 155 

Love 1 56 

What's in a Name 160 

Head and Heart 161 

Mind how you Wear your Hair 162 



Page. 

Misunderstood 163 

Indifference 164 

Leaves 167 

On the Death of a Friend 168 

Lilac Blossoms Painted by Mrs. A G. Comstock 170 

To Miss M. B. Neal 171 

Christmas 1 72 

In Memoriam, Rev. T. Tallach 174 

Memento of Sermon, Rev. J. C. Tolmie 176 

Perseverance 1 78 

I. E 179 

Cupid's Caprice 180 

Sour Grapes 182 

Two Jolly Friends 184 

Railway Flowers 185 

The Ladder of Love 186 

The Heart is Ever Young 188 

Forget the Past 190 

Song 191 

He Wears 192 

Think no More of Her 1 93 

Wait 194 

SociETARY 195-240 

Order of Red Cross and Knights of Red Cross 196 

Detroit Wednesday History Class 202 

Highland Association of Illinois 204 

Ancient Order of United Workmen 207 

St. Andrews Young People 212 

Independent Order of Foresters 219 

The Scottish Assembly of Chicago 220 

Knights of the Maccabees 224 

Eastern Star 228 

The Goat 234 

The Kicker 236 

Financiers ' 238 

Scotland Yet (St. Andrews Society) 240 

Acrostics 241-253 

Memento. W. H. Smith. 254 

Memento Sermons by the Rev, Dr. John Gray 255-300 

Parting 30^ 

Au Revoir. by Robert Matheson 302 




SONG. 



_, ER beauty's charming to behold, 
But oh, so cold! 
While I with love's impassioned heat 
Could melt the rocks beneath her feet. 



Her voice, though like a silvery flute. 

Is sweetly mute. 
But gently those endearing eyes 
Effective speak between her sighs. 



Her fragrant breath the flowers reveal 

And often steal ; 
Oh would that I possessed the power 
To be as favored as a flower. 



Love, beauty, voice and bi-eath combine 

To wish her mine. 
And warming modest blushes say, 
That blessing is not far away. 



TO A ROSEBUD. 




LORAL gem of Eden's bower, 
Little rosebud, whence thy power 
That so silently can start 
Love's volcano in my heart? 

Gently on my lady's breast, 

Posing gracefully at rest, 

Daring culprit, did'st thou steal 
What thy charms cannot conceal? 

Frugally when none were nigh 
Hast thou hid her fragrant sigh 
'Neath thy petal's safe retreat, 
Thus to keep thy perfume sweet? 

As thy stem her fingers kissed, 

Wert thou gathering the mist 

That bedim med her eyes so pure, 
Crystal devvdrops to secure? 

Leaving beauty's peerless queen 
Fraught with treasures never seen; 
In a language never heard 
Brought'st thou me one little word? 

By thy presence here, I see 

Modest smiles, so dear to me, 

And this whisper for mine ear — 

"Hope! for love is verv near." 
lo 



Timid rosebud, yet once more 

Precious secrets I explore; 

There, upon thy blushing tips, 
Lieth nectar from her lips. 

Flower so favored and caressed, 
Rosebud that her lips have pressed. 
While I take each envied kiss. 
Yield thee all thy mission's bliss. 



VV 



elcome messensfer, resisrn 



All thy gifts for memory's shrine; 
Harbinger of blessed joy. 
Love's enchanting stream supply. 

Beauteous as her form and face, 
Charming as my lady's grace. 

Sweetly as her voice can sing, 
In my soul eternal spring. 







lm< 



II 



DOUBT AND HOPE. 



T may be better that we part 

Since life can ne'er obtain 
The sacred passion of thy heart,. 

That were a heaven to gain. 
Time only maketh love increase, 

Our parting more severe — 
Desti'^oying fast receding peace, 

My bosom shroud with fear. 

Yet, dearest one, I gaze upon 

Thy beauty as a spell, 
And while I know 'twere better so 

I dread to say farewell. 

Perhaps again the happy hours 

Shall nevermore be mine, 
That sweet as fragrance to the Howers- 

Thy presence made divine; 
For love seems dormant or forlorn 

Within thy snowy breast, 
As though the rosy tint of morn 

Could not disturb its rest. 

Yet e'en its dearth gives secret birth 
To hope I may not tell. 

Whose brightening ray shall yet delay- 
That dreaded word farewell. 



12 



I dare not think of what may be, 

If yet love's gems shall bloom 
Within thy bosom's core for me 

To banish doubt and gloom. 
'Twere' almost sacrilege to dream 

Of such a state of bliss, 
That brighter realms enjoy and deem 

Too pure for life in this; 

And yet betimes the happy chimes 
Of some clear silvery bell, 

With glorious cheer sing in my ear — 
Hope never says farewell! 

Beloved one, let me appeal 

To tenderness once more. 
That all thv loveliness can feel 

When doubts no longer lower. 
Thine eyes encourage, and that sigh 

The clouds asunder roll ; 
Now surely heaven itself is nigh 

And dawning in my soul. 

Oh joyful beam of love's sweet dream 

In ecstasy to dwell, 
Forever thine, forever mine. 

Not Death shall say farewell. 



13 



VILLAGE BELLS. 




H chime those bells! their echoes speak 

Soft music to my ear; 
Oh chime those bells, while down my cheek 

Doth roll the welcome tear: 
Oh how they tell of days gone by, 

Of sports in flowery dells, 
Oh how they crowned my youth with joy — 

Those merry village bells. 



How oft have I, when summer spread 

Her banquet's richest fare 
Upon the daisies, made my bed 

That bloomed so fresh and fair; 
Or by yon brook, where ever}' tree 

With love's sweet music swells. 
To list the sound so dear to me — 

Those merry village bells. 



Chime yet those bells! Again I feel, 

And memory will retain 
A charm which tottering age doth steal 

And makes me young again. 
For I could join the sportive dance. 

While round me creep these spells; 
Give youth for age, keep up the trance — 

Ye fond enchanting bells. 

14 



As to the bright and better land 

My life shall ebb away, 
With loving heart and willing hand, 

Their music softly play; 
For still they'd charm though I should fly 

Where glory ever dwells. 
Oh waft my spirit to the sky — 

Ye precious village bells. 




15 



A DREAM. 




N the banks of a beautiful stream 
Slept a traveler sad and forlorn, 
When a fair one arose in his dream, 
Like a spirit of light 
Sent to guide him aright 
From the night to a bright summer morn. 

While the vision was leading the way 
With a look so enchantingly sweet, 
He reclined m the smile of her ray. 
Till his burden of care 
Seemed to vanish in air 
Or prepare a new snare at her feet. 

Thus together they wandered along, 
Both enjoying the fulness of bliss. 
Without thought of a shadow of wrong. 
Till affectionate sfi'own 
All unknowing unknown 
Love was sown when alone with a kiss. 



They arose with a rhapsodic thrill 

To a charming and wonderful height, — 
Where the fair one stood suddenly' still; 
And exclaiming. Adieu! 
Like an arrow she flew 
From his view, ere he knew, out of sight. 

i6 



Just a moment he looked as though dazed, 

Then a veil from his eyes was withdrawn, 
As he murmured, Heaven be praised, 
b'treams may fail to supplv 
But the sea won't go dry 
Nor men die, though they sigh, foi- hopes gone. 

Then aroused from his slumber once more, 

With the blessings of earth to esteem. 
He exclaimed as he'd ne'er done before : 
Men with foolishness teem 
When they sigh for life's cream. 
Love's extreme is the gleam of a dream. 



DEATH OF A CHILD. 



1| DIEU, sweet babe, farewell to thv dear face, 
^1/ That beamed so bright with everv natural "race. 
Perhaps 'twere better now thv troubles o'er 
Than if thou'dst lived to view thv sin the more; 
For now midst angels in the realms above, 
Thou'lt taste the joys of everlasting love; 
But here, in this great complicated maze. 
Narrow 's the path that leads to virtue's ways. 
One single error, if thy heart passed o'er. 
Might lead thee into sin forevermore. 
Rest, then, in peace! free from a world of strife. 
Thy parents' grief commemorates thy life. 

17 



HARK THE HHRALD. 




'•'•Hark I the herald a)igcls si)ig^'' 

ANG a maiden in her teens 
Midst the Christmas evergreens. 
Chiming bells fall on the ear; 
Carol singers drawing near: 
Glancing at the laurel bush 
With a slight, unconscious blush, 
Maiden fair, that song for thee 
Is the sweetest minstrelsy. 
As thy lover comes with haste, 
Clasps his hands around thy waist. 
Fondly kissing as ye go 
Underneath the mistletoe, 
Whispering, as he gives a ring — 

"Hark! the herald angels sing." 



" Glory to the new-born King I " 

Sings a mother, sweet and low, 
Rocking baby to and fro, 
Christ descending from his throne, 
To become just like her own, 
Fills her with a mystic joy ; 
While her first-born darling boy 
Sleeping peacefully at rest. 
Wakes emotions in her breast — 
Brings to view her childhood's home. 
Where fond memory loves to roam, 

i8 



Back upon her parent's knee 
Chanting Christmas mclodv, 
Till her heart in raptures sing 
"Glory to the new-born King!' 



'■'■Peace on earth and mercy niild^'^ 

Soldiers of the cross have heard 
And repeat each precious word ; 
Wars within the bosom cease, 
Conquered by the Prince of Peace; 
Mercy sheds a blissful ray^ 
Guiding the transgressor's way ; 
Many weep, but not with grief, 
Hallowed music brings relief — 
Swells the heart witii hope and love. 
Leads to happy realms above. 
Now, while hope's bright torch shall bura 
Let the prodigal return ; 
Praise these glories of a child — 
"Peace on earth and mercy mild!" 

" God and sinners reconciled.'''' 

Still the heavenly music rolls, 
Speaking peace to trembling souls;. 
Sacred truth and mercy meet 
At the great Redeemer's feet. 
Blessed, condescending grace ! 
Jesus takes the sinner's place ! 



19 



Born to die, that we may be 
Robed with his humility; 
Bathing feet with bitter tears, 
Lo! the Holy One appears ! 
Reconciling God and man. 
As in heaven the song began, 
Now on earth with joyful strain 
Sing this Christmas hymn again: 

'•'•Hark ! the herald angels sing 
Glory to the new -born King ! 
Peace on earth and mercy mild — 
God and sitiners reconciled^ 




20 



SING AT WORK. 



'^^ IVE me the man who sings at work. 

To cheer the weary hours, 
And while the hands no duty shirk 

The soul's inhaling flowers; 
To him the sun is shining hright 

As though 'twere always noon — 
The music that makes labor light 

Is life's most precious boon. 



The woman that can lowly sing 

Herself a serenade, 
Createth light for love to spring, 

That would not live in shade. 
These happy rivals of the birds 

Are jewels set in gold. 
That add a charm to God's own words,. 

And heaven to earth unfold. 



The children that so joyful vent 

Their happiness in song. 
Partake of nature's sacrament 

That guards the soul from wiong. 
The food of angels, bloom of love 

And sanctity of prayer 
Are all supplied by hosts above 

Who sing eternal there. 

21 



Sing sweetly on, though grieved or glad, 

It needs no charming voice 
To soothe the sorrow of the sad 

And make the soul rejoice. 
There is a blessedness, unknown 

Where evil passions lurk. 
That builds contentedlv a throne 

In all that sing at work. 




THE SPIRIT DOVE. 



/^ REAT Comforter, in pity aid 
^^ A pilgrim needing rest; 

^ Subdue, with cliarity displayed, 
This torture m my breast. 
Behold a suppliant at thy feet, 

With true repentant tears. 
Is searching for that safe retreat 
Where Calvary appears. 

Oh blessed love, pure white winged dove, 
That flies from pole to pole, 

With hallowed light rest thou to-night 
Within my troubled soul. 

Pass me not by, though poor and weak. 

Thy saving help I need 
Much more than those who better speak 

From laws of church or creed. 
Let not a sinner plead in vain, 

That knows no other way. 
To change a storm}- night of pain 

To calm and perfect day. 

Oh sacred love, pure white winged dove. 
That flies from pole to pole. 

Rest thou to-night, and with thy light 
Illuminate mv soul. 



23 



Sweet peace, blest messenger divine, 

With sanctity inspire, 
And make this wayward heart of mine 

Expel each wrong desire. 
He comes — the raging storm is o'er, 

The Savior enters in: 
Oh blessed joy ! for evermore 

He cleanses me from sin. 

Now, white winged dove, God's perfect love, 

That spreads from pole to pole 
Thy happy light, is shining bright 

Within mv raptured soul. 




24 



DO IT AGAIN. 




I RED as a three-year child could be 

After a day of sportive toil, 
Teresa lay on mamma's knee 

As homeward sailing from Belle Isle; 
While others touched the child in play, 

She cried out, "don't!" as if in pain, 
But when they stopped, would quaintly say; 
"Do it again! — Do it agam!" 

Still pleading " don't " whenever teased, 
With laughing eyes and winning grace 

The little beauty seemed so pleased, 
'Twas gladness to behold her face 

And watch the lightning change appear 
Whenever she desired to feign, 

Or still the sweet command to hear: 
"Do it again! — Do it again!" 

The little darling — unconcealed, 
Just said what older girls would do, 

If they as truthfully revealed 

Their feelings and their thoughts to you. 

Then never have a fear to glean 

The sweets from lips that may complain. 

When saying "don't," they only mean 
"Do it again! — Do it again!" 



(3) 25 



THE WAR OF THE SEASONS. 




N army came from the tropics, 
In battle's proud array, 
With excessive heat and passion 
The enemy to slay. 

And, beyond the arctic region. 
Arose in powerful might 

A host of chilling warriors 
As eager for the fight. 

The southern army is passing 

The equinoctial line. 
And the north is fast advancing 

To frustrate its desisfn. 

The breath of the fiery furnace 
Is met with frozen hills. 

While the battle fiercely raging 
The pulse of nature thrills. 

And louder the echoes thunder, 
Till all the sleepers 'round 

Awaken, with heat perspiring, 
Though shivering on the ground. 

The conflict so long continued, 
And gloom so widely spread, 

That a flag of truce is flying 
To carry off the dead. 

26 



And the monarchs are arrano-ino- 

To have the combat cease, 
Each to the other dictatino- 

— & 

The only terms of peace. 

The Northern king has a daughter, 
The Southern king a son, 

And hostilities are ended 
By making these two one. 

The marriage is consummated 
With presents from each kino-. 

And where this pair is located, 
The country is called S-prino-. 




TO MME. SADI CARNOT. 

On the Death of Her Husband, Late President of Prance. 



s 



HARP spasms throus^h the ocean dart 
That strike in every feeHng heart 

Deep sympathetic, bitter grief; 
And all our holiest thoughts ascend 

To give thy troubled soul relief, 
And France — that's lost her dearest friends 

To speak of one you better knew. 
But strikes the madman's blow^ anew: 

Accursed is the coward hand 
And all that aided in the plot 

To plunge in woe a smiling land, 
And wreck thine own once happy lot. 

Oh, Lady, if the seas went dry 
Our tears their waters might supj^ly; 

But there is nothing we possess, 
Or we would lay it at thy feet, 

To make thy deep affliction less ' 
And smooth the bruised heart's retreat. 

With Lincoln, Garfield, Carnot dies 
As martyred Presidents that rise 

Beyond the world that gave them birth. 
Where greater scope for worth is given. 

Past all the fleeting scenes of earth. 
To grace the purer courts of Heaven. 

28 



The blissful home at Bethany, 
The glorious cross of Calvary, 

The history of holy saints. 
All goodness, though it overflow, 

With never fading color paints 
A target foV death's sudden blow. 

But though thy sun of life be set. 
Its golden rays are shinin"- vet: 

And nevei shall the darkest night 
Have power his brilliancy to shade. 

Whose love illuminates the lio-ht 
By virtue and by honor made. 

Dear Lady, let the world, that shares 
Thy anguish, from its fervent prayers 

Some comfort to thy bosom give, 
And soothe thy sorrow till it cease. 

Where grieving can no longer live 
Within a loving Savior's peace. 




29 



GOOD AND GREAT. 




HE hero of a hundred fights, 

With decorations on his breast, 
Has reached ambition's tottering heights^ 

And can on well earned laurels rest. 
But mark, he is not yet content, 

Unconquered foes his thoughts create. 
As conscience cries, "Repent, repent, 

'Tis better to be good than great." 

Philosophers may all be wise 

In nature's scientific skill. 
Astronomers may search the skies 

And measure distances at will ; 
But there is something dearer far 

That love alone can demonstrate, 
This light that shines from Bethlehem's star 

'Tis better to be good than great. 

The earth with all its fulness may 

The transient wants of those supply, 
Whose hope's possession for to-day 

Of fame or pleasure gold can buy ; 
But temporal joy can never save 

The soul from sin's degrading state; 
For all who look beyond the grave, 

'Tis better to be good than great. 



30 



There is in every heart a void 

That worldly honors cannot fill, 
An incompleteness oft allied 

To many forms of vice and ill; 
We may be great when far from good, 

But from pure wisdom's estimate 
That has the test of ages stood, 

The truly good are always great. 

Oh, for the peace that Burns could trace 

So vivid in the "Cotter's Night." 
The simple faith, the holy grace. 

The firm resolve to walk upright; 
Then come what may, though fortune frown, 

It cannot mar our happy fate. 
To gain a pure, immortal crown, 

Be good, and, on that Rock, be great. 




31 



THE THISTLE AND ROSE. 




THISTLE and a lovely rose 
Were growing side by side, 

Exhibiting in mute repose 
Dependency and pride. 

From scorching heat, meridian bright, 
And every darkening hour, 

The thistle seemed to take delig-ht 
In sheltering the flower. 

When rain exhausted all its store. 
His brawny sails were spread 

For dew, to gently sprinkle o'er 
His sweet companion's bed. 

The blushing rose accepted aid 
With most bewitching grace. 

But thought the thistle well repaid 
To see her pretty face. 

Such loveliness might well beguile 

His thoughts to her alone, 
To wish the flower's entrancing smile 

For evermore his own. 

And time that brought them nearer still 

Increased the thistle's bliss. 
Till, with the joy of love's pure thrill 

They met with mutual kiss. 

32 



But ah, the fickle o^em beholds 

A more attractive fate, 
Whom all her hidden power unfolds 

To please and fascinate. 

A ready hand, with undue haste 
The willing captive takes. 

Rejoicing in new joys to taste, 
Her thistle friend forsakes, 

And soon forgets 'neath sunnv skies 
The one that loved her well. 

Till storms remorsefully arise 
And break the magic spell. 

Till fading charms delighting less 
The one that made her roam. 

Her thoughts revert to faithfulness; 
The thistle at her home. 



Then back to the old spot again 
The hapless flower returns 

And looks, alas! the looks are vain 
For what the bosom vearns. 



There lowly crouching down alone 

Without a single plea. 
The thistle had so lofty grown. 

The rose he could not see. 



33 



But at his feet she made her bed, 

And, fainting, feebly cried; 
While he unconscious towered his head» 

The rose unnoticed, died. 

Ah, maidens fair, when honest truth 
Your hands and hearts desire, 

Do not prefer the gilded youth 
That melts in sight of fire. 




HOPE. 



qOPE, blessed Hope, thou precious, costly gem. 
Heaven's greatest gift and earth's bright diadem, 
Angelic visions herald forth thy fame. 
And holy raptures laud thy sacred name. 
Without thee. Faith and Friendship are as dead. 
And gloomy doubt o'er every heart is spread: 
But where thy presence sanctifies the air, 
No longer doubts, or fear, or dark despair, 
But blushing Love comes tripping with a bound 
And all is joy and happiness around. 



34 



FOOTSTEPS AT THE DOOR. 




HERE'S not in all this world a heart 

That can escape from pain, 
When forced from some dear friend to part, 

We ne'er may meet again ; 
But oh! how joyful 'tis to know 

The separation's o'er, 
That when a few short moments go 

The footstep's at the door. 

Waiting for a sound upon the floor. 
One that has oft been heard before, 

How impulsive we unroll 

AH the raptures of the soul 
Harkening for a welcome footstep at the door. 

The angels in the better land 

Are waiting with delight, 
To welcome to their golden strand 

Some wanderer to-night. 
The sweetest music to their ear, 

Is sin that we deplore; 
For every penitential tear 

Make footsteps at their door. 

Listening for the prayers that they adore, 
Wafting happy greetings to their shore. 
All the hosts of heaven rejoice 
When they hear the blessed voice 
Of the Savior, guiding footsteps to their door. 

35 



HUSTLE. 



WOULD not "lay me doun and dee," 

Or waste my life in sighing, 
To gain the heart so dear to me; 

There is no use in dying. 
Much rather would I live and dare 

With obstacles to tussle, 
For e'en the fairest of the fair 

Wants man to "git" and hustle. 



True men that love, will work the more, 

For love makes labor lighter. 
And add unto the little store 

That makes the future brighter. 
Love's pot may boil, but it lakes bread 

To nourish bone and muscle, 
And women who would wisely wed 

Will look for men that hustle. 



To lounge like dudes the livelong day, 

Or all the night be spooning. 
And perfumed billets doux display 

While bills o'erdue need pruning. 
May suit some pale, romantic maid, 

Who knows naught of life's bustle. 
But wisdom likes the stock-in-trade 

That grows with men that hustle. 



36 



The horny-handed sons of toil, 

To shrines of beauty kneehng, 
Have got no time to wear a smile 

That's void of truth or feeHnsf. 
They do their utmost, though they fail 

To furnish silks that rustle: 
Life's ocean girls can safely sail 

With mariners that hustle. 

To hustle — never mind the word. 

We know to slang it's leanino-. 
But all of great Chicago's heard 

And understand its meaning:. 
Men of that stamp their objects win, 

While others fuss and fussle. 
To fail with one means to begin 

Straight for another hustle. 




37 



TO MY WIFE. 

On the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Our Marriage. 




HROUGH the fragrant vale of morn, 

We have wandered side by side, 
Now in sunshine — now in storm, 

SaiUng 'gainst the coming tide: 
But with hands that feared no toil, 

Hearts united firm for aye. 
At thy ever cheering smile, 

Tides would turn, clouds pass away. 

Now upon this Silver dome, 

We can retrospect life's scene. 
Tracing shadows in our home. 

We have wished had never been; 
But the trials of the past 

Mav be blessings — who can tell? 
God will guide us safe at last. 

For He doeth all things well. 

On this high meridian hill, 

Not alone the past we see — 
Calm and tranquil, peaceful, still. 

Dawns the future, yet to be; 
Varied changes are in view. 

For the evening of our life, 
But our love remaineth true, 

Mv own sweet — my precious wife. 

38 



What though silvery hairs appear? 

Monuments of jDassing time — 
They but add from year to year 

Charms, to knit my soul to thine: 
Thy dear beauty cannot fade; 

Every day renews its birth, 
And in God's pure gems arrayed. 

Thou art Heaven to me on earth. 

Come then, darling, and once more 

At the altar let us stand, 
Haj^pier than in days of yore, 

When you gave me first your hand ; 
Unity of heart and mind. 

Love from deep unfathomed wells, 
Hope, with faith and bliss combined, 

Ring our Silver Wedding Bells. 




39 



THE FIRST KISS. 



/^ ARDENS of roses, lovely to view, 
^^Visions of sunshine enthroned in blue, 
Beautiful landscape and moonlit sea, 
Happily, joyously laughing free; 

Buoyant the heart with fulfilled desire. 

Cheering the soul with poetic fire, 
Gems of the rarest sparkle around 
Musical fountains on fairy ground, 

Statues of marble, silver and gold, 
Mountains of jewels and wealth untold. 
Streams in abundance as pure as truth. 
Keeping the heart in perpetual youth; 

These with a thousand treasures divine, 
Of the bosom's hope, would all be mine, 
If ever the key I could obtain 
Opening the gate of this blest domain. 

But in vain was every effort made. 
Till my precious darling — half afraid — 
With a modest blush, and coy surprise. 
Let me take that key of paradise. 

Now more than a king upon his throne 
The greatest joy on the earth I own. 
From a little question answered "yes," 
And my charming, loved one's first sweet kiss. 

40 



VICTOR AND LENORA. 




PART ONE. 

OW in the West the settin<r sun 

Beams forth his last hright golden ray, 
Q^ Gaily, his constant journe}' run, 

He sinks to make elsewhere the day. 

Behold yon mansion's stately towers. 
That proudly stand the test of time, 

Adorned with richest grounds and bowers. 
And rarest plants from every clime. 

The Baron of this charming home. 
Now aged, retires to quiet ease, 

No more in court or camp to roam, 
A great applauding world to please. 

His daughter, last of all his race. 

The rest now free from earthly strife, 

In sweetest womanhood and grace. 
His only joy, his pride, his life. 

In her, fair nature's gifts were seen 
In richest, brightest, best array, 

No cultured art or studied mien 

Could half such glorious charms disj)lay. 

(4) 41 



Nor form alone, the charms secure 

Enrapturing voice and heaven born smile, 

No crystal stream refined more pure 
Than her dear heart from every guile. 

To soothe distress her happiest lot 
The grief of other hearts to share, 

And princely hall, or peasant cot 
Alike receive her constant care. 



Anticipating each desire, 

With loving hands and language mild. 
Her dearest thought to please her sire — 

No mar\el that he loved his child. 



If in his heart the Baron grieved 

To see his child, with kindness fraught 

Attend the poor — 'twas unperceived. 

Nor word nor look betraved the thought. 



And as he knew her heart of love 
Would yield its life to do his will. 

Affection would not disapprove 

What pride condemned in silence, still 

One serious thought his life possessed, 
One terror more than tongue can speak. 

His watchful eye had seen impressed 
A richer bloom upon her cheek, 

42 



A greater brilliance in the eye, 
A pensive, yet a happier mood. 

Sweet smile and soft escaping sigh 
Revealed a secret soon construed. 



Dreading to lose her, causing fear 

That pained him us a venomed dart — 

And that some worthless knight or peer 
Had gained his darling- Lena's heart. 



Yet, oft he thought him of the day 
Her gentle mother looked the same. 

When he in gorgeous arrav, 

Went forth her bridal hand to claim. 



PART TIVO. 



Near by the castle's postern stood 

A cottage, with wild flowers o'errun, 

Where dwelt in sacred solitude, 
A widowed lady and her son. 



There, from the busy world concealed. 
Had passed a year of tranquil pain, 

Since charging on the battle field. 
Husband and father had been slain. 



43 



Victor, her noble son, forsook 

Life's pleasures to assuage her grief,. 

For more than joy to him, her look 
Of grateful peace and true relief. 

His handsome form in humblest dress, 
Seemed nobler in his mother's sight 

Than all that pomp and power express^ 
When robed in armor shining bright. 

Not long the widow lived retired 
Till Lena found the calm retreat, 

With purest charity inspired. 
To offer aid and solace meet. 



The anxious mother was afraid 

Such charms would bring her son regret^ 
Hence, many visits had been made 

E'er Victor and Lenora met. 



But when the happy meeting came. 
As gentle dews from Heaven descend. 

Love kindled in each heart a flame 
Not even death himself could end. 



As time rolled on, love stronger grew. 
Though they the Baron's anger fear; 

Hope chased away each dismal view. 
And made the future bright appear, 

44 



And Victor's mother saw and blessed 

And hoped and prayed, from day to day, 

That He who soothed her own fad breast, 
Would chase all obstacles away, 



And help her in the hour of need 
By giving love at his command. 

To aid her son his cause to plead. 
And gain the fair Lenora's hand. 



The silvery moon proclaims the hour 
When lovers' secrets are more sweet, 

While Lena hastens to the bower. 
The idol of her heart to meet. 



Oh, sacred, holy meeting this. 

Where virtuous lovers now unite 

In purest thought and sweetest kiss. 
Nor think of vice to mar delight. 



PART THREE. 



^M^e banquet hall now beams with light, 
And wit and splendor brilliant shine, 

While many a courtly lord and knight 
Is reveling in sparkling wine. 

45 



The feast is o'er, the song is sung, 

The toast goes round with boundless glee^ 

And aged men again are young. 
With tales of ancient chivalry. 

One favored by the Baron's chair 

Spoke out with dignity and grace — 

"Come pledge anew — the fairest fair, 
Lenora — best of woman's race." 



The guests had barely drank the toast, 
The shouts of joy had scarcely ceased, 

When suddenly toward the host. 

As though from some foul fiend released 

A knight rushed madly through the door^ 
Who wild with taunting spirit cried — 

"Health to the noble peasant boor 
That's won Lenora for his bride." 



Like meteors flashing in the skies, 

A score of glittering swords were borne^ 

But brighter flashed the Baron's eyes 
With mingled hatred, love and scorn. 



"Sir Knight," he cried, in wild alarm, 
"This moment prove thy insult true, 

Or by the saints! this feebled arm 

Will run thy worthless carcass through ! 

46 



"Prove thou iny words thyself, my lord; 

Step to the bower, and thou shalt see 
Lenora and a great swineherd 

Exchanging vows of constancy." 

"Alas," he sighed, "for her fair fame," 
Then shouting loud, the Baron said — 

"My daughter's hand that Knight shall claim 
Who brings to me that peasant's head!" 

Now for the bride they long had sought; 

Each rushed into the open air, 
But he who had the tidings brought, 

Was first to reach the loving pair. 

With gladened heart to gain the prize. 
He lifts his sword to strike the foe; 

Lenora droops and faintly cries — 
'Twas she received the erring blow. 

The noble Victor sees amazed, 

Her dear blood flowing from the wound, 
Then turning to the Knight, half crazed. 

He dashed him senseless to the ground. 



The sword with Lena's blood now dyed, 

Would soon have closed the Knight's career, 

But some one shouted by his side — 

"Touch naught so vile with blood so dear!" 

47 



PART FOUR. 



An aged minstrel passing by, 

Was listening to the wild alarms, 

And hearing Lena's painful cry 

Had caught her fainting in his arms. 



"Touch naught so vile," again he said, 
"But help to stop this blood, I pray, 

Or never more will this poor maid 
Behold thee, or the light of day." 



While tears bedimmed the lover's e3'es. 
He held her in the fragrant air, 

And thoughts and wox^ds and sobs and sighs, 
Bore up to Heaven a fervent prayer. 



The minstrel knew his task so well 
That Lena sweetly smiled at rest. 

And gently moved her lips to tell 

The thoughts o'erflowing in her breast. 



"My love, my hope, my joy, my light. 

Grieve not, dear heart, for this small pain; 

The minstrel says the wound is slight, 
And we shall never part again." 

48 



Victor was kneeling;- bv the maid, 
His soul exulting in each word. 

But suddenly became dismayed 

At woeful sounds approaching heard. 

"Wretch!" cried the Baron, rushing in 
With hate and pity raging wild, 

"Thou dastard knave, weep at thy sin, 
And give me back my murdered child." 

These bitter words succeeded groans, 
As he his direful passion bore; 

"Hence, baseborn churl," at last he moans, 
"And never tread these precincts more." 

"Withhold thy rage," the minstrel cried, 
"No dastard knave in him you see, 

For he who kneels at Lena's side 

Is Red Cross Knight, and lord is he; 

"His deeds are not unknown to fame; 

His lineage honored as thine own; 
E'en thou, thyself, knowest well the name 

Of Victor, Earl of Eglinton. 



"Here, free from all display of wealth, 
To save his loving mother's life. 
He sought these peaceful scenes for health, 
And won thy daughter for his wife 

49 



"With virtuous grace, and love combined, 

With honor and with truthfuhiess; 
Novv^ therefore, as their hearts are joined. 
Join thou their hands, their lives to bless." 

"Audacious minstrel, who art thou 
That such a tale of wonder sing?" 

The minstrel, boldly speaking now, 
Said: "I, Lord Baron, am thy King." 

O wondrous change! The voice is known. 
And quick all present bend the knee; 

"Forgiveness, Sire, let me atone. 
And be it as thou dost decree." 

The Baron joins the lovers' hands, 

And speaks the blessing firm and clear; 

The King uncovering, commands: 

"Now then, my courtiers, give a cheer." 

One shout that made the echoes ring; 

One joyful cry from everyone: 
"God bless and save our Sovereign King, 

And Earl and Countess Eglinton." 



50 



LOVE IS NOT SO BLIND. 




HE proverb you have often heard 
That " Love is bhnd," 
And to defects the sight is blurred. 
Of every kind: 
But if this were really so 
And men cannot see to sow^, 
How is it that the pretty girls 
Are always first to go ? 

There never could in nature's store 

A beau be found, 
Who did not please the eyes before 
The heart would bound: 
If the lady's his delight 
Before Cupid's closed the sight. 
Then 'tis folly to be looking 
For a wrong in a right. 

But Love is not so very blind 
As some believe; 
The girls that live just now we find 
You can't deceive: 
And 'tis libelous to say 
That we know more of a play 
Than those that are rehearsing the 
Old stor}' every day. 



51 



THE APPROACH OF SPRING. 




NCE more the ice cracks in the stifled brook, 

How it shrinks at the sound of its enemies' cry; 
See the trees are now budding, behold, proud man, look 
At the chirruping birds that were nigh wont to die 
With the winter's stern breeze. 
How they leave the stript trees, 
And go cheerfully warbling up to the sky. 



Come on, gentle sjDring, with thy treasures so bright, 
Add charms to all nature, iiiake joyous each scene; 
The children grow tired of the fire's glaring light. 

Inspire their young hearts; with thy soft glowing sheen 
Give day for the night. 
Oh, banish their fright. 
Let their restless limbs find vent on the green. 



She comes, the sweet goddess, to open the skies 

As pathways of beauty ; she calls the wild flowers 
That seclusively lie in the valleys to rise 

And share in her favors as free as the bowers 
That perfume the great. 
Where the zephyrs sedate. 
In harmony float round the ivy-clad towers. 



52 



On the greensward of hope in eternity's dawn, 

When the summer is past, and the harvest is near. 
When our pillows are laid on the heavenly lawn. 
With content for a sigh, and the dew for a tear, 
And our spirit shall soar 
To the ever green shore. 
Then the spring of God's beauty shall welcome appear. 




"^ ARE WELL ! may hope shine o'er thy way 
^And guide thee o'er the foaming spray 
Safe to the foreign shore; 
And, oh ! returning, may the gales 
Be far behind the vessel's sails 

And bring thee safe once more. 



'to 



Farewell, adieu ! 'tis sad to part, 
Yet, still this thought within the heart 

May ease full many a pain — 
That every pang and j^arting sigh 
Will change to happiness and joy 

When next we meet again. 



53 




MAY. 



OAIL ! merry month of May, 
Dawn of earth's hohday, 

Joyfully bring 
Faith in thy calendar, 
Hope in thy floral car, 
Love as our guiding star, 
Beautiful spring ! 

Gem of the passing year, 
Quickly, while thou art near, 

Fretting takes wing: 
When the sun melts the snow 
Rivers more cheerful flow. 
So doth affection grow 

Most in the spring. 

Free from the frost and sleet 
Free from the summer heat, 

Gladlv we sing: 
Thus when life's winter's o'er, 
Happy our souls shall soar, 
And love for evermore 

Beautiful spring.* 



54 



LOVE OF MY LIFE. 




OVE of ni}- life, my soul could soar 
No higher in the realms of bliss 
Than when on angel wings it bore 
My heart to thine in our first kiss. 
Time has but strengthened the chain 

Then forged by highest power above 
Till now and ever thou'lt remain 
Love of my life, Life of my love. 

Love of my life, the great desire, 

The hojDe of all my hopes art thou. 
No other can create such fire 

No other soothe its passion now. 
Forever let me call thee mine. 

Together let our spirits rove. 
Make me as I am ever thine 

Love of thy life. Life of thy love. 



55 



TO MADAME MICHELENA. 

(NEE MISS KATE MADDOCK) 

Of the Late Emma Abbott Opera Company. 




WEET singer! that inhaled so long 

The fragrance of the Abbott flower, 
Whose silvery voice in golden song 

Is pregnant with fair Emma's power 
Long may thy soul-enrapturing strain 

Cheer up the lives of her bereft; 
Be this a sovereign balm for pain — 

That we have Michelena left. 

Thy grace and loveliness alone 

Must captivate each cultured mind, 
That for a bright ideal would own 

A perfect gem of womankind. 
But add thy virtuous, winning ways, 

The pure expression of thy eyes. 
And Truth resolves itself in praise 

To herald forth a world's surprise. 

Sing on, sweet lady ! let thy voice 

Create Hope's temple in the heart, 
While memories aroused, rejoice 

In thoughts that life nor death can part. 
And may to thee such joy be given — 

Such love be added to thy fame. 
That all the bliss of earth and heaven 

Shall wait upon thine honored name. 

56 



As stars retiring from their toil 

Make others brighter vigils keep, 
God sends bereaved ones blessings, while 

He giveth his beloved sleep. 
Thus, mournfully as we bewail 

Dear Emma Abbott's bitter fate — 
Her favorite, we gladly hail — 

Our own inspiring, charming Kate! 




(5) 



57 



ODE TO NIGHT. 



M' 



A.IL! beauteous Night, reflection's happy home, 

n thy melHfluent shades how sweet to roam 
And view, witii silver tinged, the murmuring stream 
Warbhng its lays to melodize the scene, 
While towering o'er the waving willows twine 
And humbly bow to list the sound divine. 
Who, with imagination's strongest power. 
Can half portray thy gentle twilight hour? 
What mimic artist, with the Mvise's might 
Can paint thy every beauty, lovely Night! 
Ere yet thy mantle's clothed the hill and plain, 
Beneath some shady tree, how oft I've lain 
And watched thy first approach; the setting sun, 
With rays more beautiful, his labor done. 
Like some good Christian, yielding his last breath, 
Graceful in life, but glorious in death; 
While through the clouds an orb of silver fire 
Commands the feathered songsters to retire. 
Save thee, thou prima donna of the night, 
Thy solo heralding the heart's delight. 
Meet home for lovers! where the tender tales 
Of future joys the pregnant air inhales, 
And with ambrosial dew's refreshing power 
Find happy welcome on each parched flower. 
While these in turn distil the favors given. 
And yield their charms, a perfume sweet to heaven. 



58 



Now Night draws nigh, with all her rapturous themes, 

To fill the soul with sweet, enchanting dreams; 

Now all is still, the lovers are away. 

And now the god of silence holdeth sway ; 

Now is the hour when village gossips tell 

Of grimly sprites that haunt the flowery dell. 

And fearing these, they all thy charms forsake. 

O wake! ye ignorant, awake, awake! 

Arouse ye weak ! no longer trembling tread : 

Why need ye shake with superstitious dread? 

Why though the spirits of the illustrious dead 

At this dim hour should haunt your flowery glade. 

When once ye know with them 3'e will be laid ? 

O, lovely Night, thine influence doth creep 

O'er all the earth and through the mighty deep; 

From thy dark shades thy blessed substance flows. 

And rugged nature sinks to sweet repose. 

Then all are equal; then the lord or knight. 

The monarch crowned, enjoys no more delight 

Than those who but the verj- da}' before. 

Had begged their humble lot from door to door. 

Thou faithful monitor that strik'st a chord 

In every heart to find a just reward. 

Each to its own the conscience they possess; 

The bad to punish and the good to bless; 

What hour more meet to silently survey 

Where'er our wandering steps have gone astray, 



59 



Review our lives, and see what we have done 

That God should send his own begotten Son 

To die for us. O sacred, solemn thought. 

At night more clearly to our vision brought, 

Here unmolested pray, and soon perceive 

'Tis better far to give than to receive. 

It pleased Almighty God to give his Son; 

In giving thanks, men's happiest moments come,^ 

No time wherein our thoughts can run more free. 

For yea "the darkness hideth not from Thee." 

His ear will ever hearken to our voice, 

Revive our hearts and make our souls rejoice, 

And as the night is spent in prayer and praise. 

In fair proportion we enjoy our days. 

O gracious God, we bow to thy great name; 

Thou madest the night, when all should equal reign; 

Receive our thanks, and let the fragrant air 

Waft up to thee each supplicating prayer; 

And ye who've never felt or never seen 

Earth's richest treasure, when the moon's pale sheen 

Tinges the water with her silvery ray. 

When the bright sun has bid adieu to day, 

Hie thee alone, to mount, or meadow steal, 

And taste night's charming feast, fair wisdom's meal. 



60 



THE LILACS. 



7^ 



■Cf^^ HE lilacs soon will be in bloom 

The lilacs — 
Rejoicing" earth proclaims good cheer, 
When Hope's ambassadors are here — 

The lilacs. 

The lover knows their secret aid, 

The lover — 
When fragrant lilacs scent the air, 
How soon they silently declare 

The lover. 

The maiden, beautiful to see, 

The maiden — 
Still listening to a low refrain, 
Loved words with lilacs till they gain 

The maiden. 

The roses from bright sunshine born 

The roses — 
Are matrons of the virgin flower, 
And they mature the lilacs' power, 

The roses. 

The lilacs are the soul's delight. 

The lilacs — 
Awake the tuneful birds to sing. 
And gently usher in the Spring, 

Sweet lilacs ! 

6i 



IN MEMORY OF MY BROTHER, 
WM. WILLIAMSON. 



i^^^ HOUGH not on me thy dying look impressed, 
41^^ Not less, my brother, do I feel, than those 
'U^^ Who gently strewed sweet flowers o'er thy breast. 
And weeping, laid thee to thy last repose. 

In outward forms of grief I may not share, 
Nor to the world my sad, sad loss convey, 

But all alone my sacred burden bear, 

Too great for tears — too solemn for display: 



Save that kind Heaven my aching heart may fill 
With comfort that no wealth can e'er control,. 

And I can hold sweet converse with thee still 
By the electric current of the soul. 



Love bursts the barriers of the silent grave 
And makes the spirit captive to its power, 

And by an instinct, which God only gave, 
I know that thou art with me here this hour. 



And every secret thought and act and deed, 
With spiritual omniscience thou canst see; 

Seize truth from falsehood's all productive seed. 
And know and feel my constant love for thee, 

62 



Know, that when thou wast born, I eager ran 
To clasp thee in affectionate embrace, 

And how I've prayed e'er since thy hfe began, 
That God would give thee every christian grace. 

From infancy through childhood's happy days. 
To manhood's prime, 'twas mine thy lot to share. 

And to protect and guide thee through life's maze. 
More with a parent's than a brother's care. 

Though parted from thee in a foreign clime. 
Each day renewed the ever pleasant ties 

That bound me by peculiar right divine. 

As those who tend the plant, the flower most prize. 

The passing years brought those to share thy life 
Whose brightest hojoes are now made dark and drear ; 

God bless thine orphaned ones, thy widowed wife 

And all that thou hast loved to Him be dear. 



And may they all reflect thy sterling worth — 
To them thy noble qualities descend; 

For scarcely could there dwell upon the earth, 
A better parent, husband, brother, friend. 

We know not who may next be summoned hence. 
Whose body laid to mingle with the dust; 

But this we know in all its solemn sense. 

That while the young may die, the aged must. 

63 



And in at most a few short fleeting years 
We shall be far removed from every pain, 

Infinite Love dispels all doubts and fears, 
And Faith reveals our future state so plain, 



That I can see thee in a better land, 

With all the dear ones that have gone before, 
Singing glad songs in one exultant band, 

To bid thee w^elcome to that peaceful shore. 

And from these visions of the great unknow^n 
That fill my mind, by faith or fancy fed. 

And by fond memories to my bosom grow^n 
I know, to me, thou never canst be dead. 



Still, I must bid thy loving form adieu ; 

Remembrance only adds to my great loss; 
Hope points triumphant to a better view 

And leads me to the foot of Calvary's Cross. 

No granite monument — no cultured art, 

The simple cross of Christ my sorrow quells, 

While at thy shrine I lay, frer,h from my heart 
For tribute — these — my soul's pure immortelles. 



64 



BEAUTIFUL MAIDEN OF WATERLOO. 




'^5— HINE eyes, love — thy deep pensive eyes — 
2^ Are present in all my dreams; 
^)V Like stars in the clear cloudless skies, 
Or light in the sun's golden beams. 
Asleep or awake, thou art near 

And guiding my intricate way, 
From night ever lonesome and drear. 
To cheerful, exuberant day. 

For in thy gentle eyes, sincerity lies 
Filling the earth with a glad surprise, 

Bringing love's holiest visions to view. 
Making mv soul be submissive and true— 
Beautiful Maiden of Waterloo ! 



The pure gems of thought in thy mind. 

Thy womanly beauty and grace, 
Are rareties only we find 

When angels' perfection we trace. 
We met as by chance — and though fate 

Decree that we meet not again, 
Thy spirit keeps open the gate 

Of my heart's dearest hope — to remain. 

For in thy piercing eyes true purity lies 
Sending its rays from the earth to the skies; 
Bringing love's holiest visions to view. 
Keeping my soul ever captive to you — 
Beautiful Maiden of Waterloo ! 

65 



THE FLOWERS IN WINTER ARE BEST. 




HE primrose and may flower appear, 

When time proudly bears on its wing 
That season so prized of the year — 

The lovely florescence of Spring. 
The heart and the earth give a bound 

With beauties adorning their breast; 
But lovers and sages have found 

That flowers in winter are best. 



When flowerets spontaneously rise 

And midsummer roses' perfume 
Awaken the soul with surprise 

To dwell in a glorious bloom: 
There seemeth no more to desire 

For all of mankind to be blest, 
And yet — of profusion we tire; 

The flowers in the winter are best. 



Rejoicing in autumn's display, 

When dahlias and asters so sweet 

Are cheering the shortening da}^, 
Regardless of cold or of heat, 

While charming, their presence we feel 
In colors so gorgeously dressed, 

There's something thev fail to reveal, 
That flowers in the winter are best. 



66 



When winter, with mantle of white 

Bedecks the fair earth as a bride, 
Oh what gives the heart more delight 

Than bright blooming flowers by our side? 
How cheering the plants that we rear, 

With labor that never needs rest, 
More precious because of our care — 

The flowers in the winter are best. 



Sweet Flora in winter imparts 

The hope that our blessed Savior gave, 
To fill with true gladness our hearts, 

Beyond the dark shades of the grave. 
As ledgers, dear wife, they disclose 

Where most of our thoughts we invest, 
With age larger interest grows: 

Hence, flowers in the winter are best, 



Spring, summer and autumn have fled. 

The winter appeareth in sight, 
Yet rays of thy purity spread 

Exulting, excelling in light. 
Thou'rt sweeter, my darling, to-day, 

Though silvered thy once raven crest. 
Than all thy bright youth could display : 

For flowers in the winter are best. 



67 



O children of Eden, bow dear, 

How wisely, how truly ye speak; 
That faith must be ever sincere 

To gain any object we seek : 
That loveliness sanctifies gloom 

And consecrates joy as a guest, 
But whether for altar or tomb, 

The flowers in the winter are best. 



WILL YOU, MARY? 



M 



E wanted a small favor, and 

Said, "will you, Mary^ dear ? " 
The maid, while giving him her hand, 

Replied: "Wait till next year; 
To marry early, it is said 

May swift repentance bring." 
He simply gazed and bowed his head 

Full of imagining; 
Then wiping his perspiring brow 

Said, "be it as you say;" 
But secretly she wonders now 

What makes him call her Mav. 



68 



SCOTIA'S SHORE. 



O^AREWELL, though leaving Scotia's shore 
Q) My thoughts with you remain, 
While absent I shall love, and more 

When next we meet again. 
Each wave that heaves the vessel hio-h 

Each breeze that skims the sea, 
Shall fill my breast with many a sio-h 
For Scotland and for thee. 

Farewell! I go where gems abide, 

Where gold's without alloy, 
Where beams the sun in all his pride 

And every scene is joy ; 
But not the gorgeous glittering strand. 

Nor all the wealth I see, 
Nor all the beauty of the land 

Can win my love from thee ! 

Farewell, how solemn is that word, 

How often feared and spoke. 
While ears, with pain, exjDectant heard, 

And hearts have well nigh broke. 
But hope our parting thoughts shall cheer 

That thou shalt faithful be. 
And love that banishes all fear 

Shall make me true to thee. 



69 



EULALIE. 




OLUMBIA bids thee welcome to the Fair, 
Direct descendant of the royal pair 
Whose aid substantial did Columbus send, 
To find for all a refuge and a friend, 
A land whose populace with bliss imbued 
Give thee and thine eternal gratitude. 



In this vast El Dorado of the west 

We are most honored in our honored guest; 

'Twas meet that Spain should send for such event 

Her loveliest gem and brightest ornament, 

The best exhibit of all earthly marts 

To please the sight and captivate our hearts. 

By this one act, this royal flag unfurled. 
Thy country's wisdom conquers all the world 
With such affection that we rarely find 
Resulting from a diplomatic mind. 
Not all in Spain could better fill thy place 
With brilliant yet with unassuming grace. 

We hailed thee first for those that sent thee here, 
And still for these alone would'st thou be dear; 
But now with heart and voice and open arms 
We all adore thee for thine own great charms 
And in this nation for thyself so famed 
Ten thousand shall Eulalie be named. 



70 



Thy name whose vowels musically sound 

In future years shall plentiful abound 

As bright mementos of these happy days, 

Creating songs immortal in thy praise 

And all who list their smooth mellifluent strain 

Shall love the sweet Eulalie of Spain. 



LOVELY BURNETT. 



.^•OVELY Burnett, charming maid, 
^^ Bright as the golden sun, 

Sweet as the flowers that deck the path 
Where gentle streamlets run. 

Emblem of innocence and truth. 

To thee is due all praise; 
Beacon of light who shinest here 

To guide us through this maze. 

Oh were I granted one request 

Of bliss almost divine, 
I'd gain each virtue. Beauty's queen, 

And wish that thou wert mine. 

But ah for me, such treasure's rare 

Were never given birth; 
Enough that I have seen and loved 

The sweetest maid on earth. 

71 



WELCOriED THE EARL. 

The Clans Send Greeting— Lord and Lady Aberdeen at the Auditorium. 



iScottish-Americans in Chicago enjoyed an opportunity last evening of wel- 
coming one of the best-known and greatest of their fellow-countrymen. The 
Earl of Aberdeen, Countess Aberdeen and their daughter, Lady Marjorie Gor- 
don. The Countess Aberdeen was preparing to meet friends and could not be 
presented to the delegation, but the Earl and his daughter. Lady Marjorie, who 
is a beautiful little miss of about twelve years, were introduced personally to 
each of the delegation. The members of the delegation who presented the 
address were A. Gordon Murray, Dr. J. M. Brydon, Dr. J. Harvey Bates, P. D. 
McGregor, G. S. Whyte, Robert K. Stuart, Peter Grant, James McEdward, 
Robert Matheson, George Williamson, J. S. Hay. James Grant and DonaJd A. 
Smith.— CA/capo Daily News, Nov. 30, 1891. 



LADY MARJORIE. 



£ 



IKE the merry sunshine dancing 
On the wavelets, when advancing 
With a beauty quite entrancing 

Strewing gold beads on the strand; 
Lady Marjorie tripped singing, 
To her noble parent clinging. 
Yet with fairy footsteps springing 

Joyful to the Scottish band. 

With a hand-shake each was greeted. 
To a smile each one was treated. 
While her gentle voice repeated 

Names — made dearer than before. 
L/ike a searchlight o'er the ocean, 
Her bright charms revealed emotion, 
And created fond devotion 

That will live for evermore. 

72 



In such loveliness, each brother 
Could discern the charming mother; 
And we thought more of each other 

Being honored as we were: 
Though our lips could scarce address her, 
In our hearts we still caress her. 
And in silence breathe, God bless her, 

As the soul's unuttered prayer. 

Lady, not as eager lover 
Do we rapturously discover 
Richest blessings round thee hover. 

That are hid from other eyes: 
But we know a sweeter story, 
For thy grace reveals a glory 
That makes men though aged and hoary 

Feel themselves in paradise. 

Noble Earl, no stronger tether 
Could unite us all together, 
Nor our own beloved heather 

Fill our hearts with greater glee; 
When, our wishes comprehending, 
With true friendship, beauty blending. 
You exclaimed so condescending 

"This is Lady Marjorie." 



(6) 73 



THE DESPOT. 

Dedicated to Robert Gordon Baxter, by His Grandpa. 



[N this fair land of liberty 

A mighty despot reigns, 
That brooks no contradiction from 

The lords of his domains; 
He's full of whims and fancies, with 

A proud, commanding form, 
That makes the boldest scatter as 

Loose straws before a storm. 

He needs no wise advisers, for 

He knows more in a day 
Than all his serfs in fifty, and 

His will they must obey. 
He wastes no words in ordering 

The subject that he daunts. 
For all around are waiting to 

Anticipate his wants. 

Yet strange, this captious monarch is 

Just idolized by all. 
And eager eyes are watching to 

Obey his slightest call ; 
And no one would annoy him for 

Ten times his weight in gold, 
For he's the household treasure and 

Our darling two months old. 



74 



I AM FAR, LOVE, FROM THEE. 



C^f AM far, love, from thee, I am far on the sea, 
^^ And the wave o'er the vessel is dashing. 
The lightning darts over weather and lee. 
And the thunder from Heaven is crashing; 
Yet still there's a voice that is heard o'er the foam, 

An image before me forever doth shine 
That fills me with hope and with joy while I roam, 
And thou knowest love, thou knowest that the imagfe is thine. 

I am far on the sea, yet sweet dreams, love of thee 

Still fill me with pleasure wherever I go. 
While thoughts of thy constancy skim o'er the sea 

And linger in all the mild zephyrs that blow; 
And the fond voice resounding from fancy's high dome. 

The image before me that ever doth shine 
Will still breathe its hope and its joy when at home. 
For I know, love, I know that it then will be mine. 



7S 



IN MEMORIAM. 



Stomas Mjearns. 




E dread to think that thou art dead; 

Our bosoms start with quickening paini 
To feel our anxious hojoes have fled 
And only memories remain. 
It seems a dream — a troubled dream — 

From which we vainly try to wake, 
Or like a constant running stream 

Whose currents deepening channels make. 

We lay thee in the silent tomb, 

And all our solemn task fulfill; 
Yet, in the midst of darkening gloom 

We feel that thou art with us still; 
And all thy noble deeds appear 

In panoramical array. 
Dimmed only by affection's tear, 

We cannot — would not — chase away. 



76 



Oh, when you sang "The Heart Bowed Down," 

Was it prophetic of our grief 
That nothing but a Savior's crown 

Can mitigate, or give rehef ? 
As time rolls on, we miss thee more, 

And fain would call thee back to life. 
But all our mourning pales before 

The sorrow of thy widowed wife. 

Almighty! sanctify her woe 

And consecrate the orphan's loss — 
That it ma\'^ lead where all should go. 

To seek true comfort in the cross; 
And keep us in the narrow way 

Direct to joys which never end. 
There, basking in eternal day 

To find the Husband, Father, Friend. 

There is bright hope for every one, 

Sweet incense permeates the breast 
When these fond words we think upon: 

"He giveth His beloved rest." 
Oh, may that peaceful lot be thine, 

And may the light that ever burns 
Guide all with unseen power divine. 

To meet in Heaven — beloved Mearns! 



n 



FRIENDS IN OLD AGE. 



Dedicated to Robt. natheson, Walter Pickens, Dr. Brydon 
and George D. Williams. 



OUR playmates in childhood are cheering 
Reminders of innocent glee, 
And schoolmates to all are endearing: 

Recallers of pastimes so free. 
The friends of our youth please the sight, in 

The first thing our fancies engage, 
But the friends that our hearts most delight in 
Are those that we have in old age. 

With the summer of life nearly endmg. 

And winter approaching in gloom, 
With thoughts that are frequently blending 

The cradle, the altar, the tomb. 
Each heart needs a tonic inspiring 

The soul to a holier stage. 
Which is found to its utmost desiring 

In friends, the dear friends of old age. 



78 



We've expei'ienced hope in all stages, 

Are past all the visions of youth, 
Till novv^, like philosopher sages 

We search for, and want but the truth. 
Young transient friends are diurnal 

That end with life's fast setting sun, 
But the friends of old age are eternal. 

At death they have only begun. 

N ow the hope that remains, each dear frater. 

Is richer because getting old ; 
While we know from the world's great Creator, 

There are many things better than gold ; 
Let our remnant of life be adorning 

The pathway that others shall wend, 
And awake in eternity's morning 

Enjoying our oldest best friend. 



79 



GOLDEN WEDDING DAY. 




RING the golden harvest sheaves 

That have kissed the sunset rays, 
Till illumined memory w^eaves 

Immortelles of other days; 
Treasures registered above 

With the thoughts of earth combine 
Half a century of love 

In a precious gai-land twine. 



Not all bliss the years gone by, 

But the conquest ever won 
By the soul uplifted high, 

Breathing soft, "Thy will be done.' 
May, with sanctity arrayed. 

Still the happy days prolong, 
With the melody displayed 

In a smoothly flbwing song. 



From such consecrated soil 

Fragrant incense must arise, 
That no evil can defile 

Or debar from paradise: 
Not an army in its might 

Can disturb the hope serene, 
Nothing mar the heart's delight, 

Where such unity hath been. 



80 



He that blessed you in the past 

From the odoriferous morn 
To the silver trumpet's blast, 

Shall the golden days adorn 
And the diamonds scintillate 

Till they fade in holier light, 
When ajar the pearly gate 

Of eternity's in sight. 

Low the branches of the trees 

Bend in homage to the ground, 
While the foliage, with the breeze 

Waft a sweet ^'Eolian sound; 
With the buds and blossoms near, 

With the harp harmonious strung, 
Time shall come and disappear 

Keeping you forever young. 

Though to mansions fair you soar. 

Let your love with us remain. 
Make your prayerful lips now pour 

In our hearts their welcome strain. 
Parents grand and great and true, 

Give what none can take away, 
Bless us as we honor you — ■ 

This, your Golden Wedding Day. 



8i 



ALMOST 



& 



iifit LMOST on time," he cried with glee, 

"I think it nice of fate 
To be so very kind to me, 

I never have to w^ait. 
'Ahnost,' you see, is just as good 

As being prompt on hand; 
It makes one better understood 

As being something grand. 
At church or lodge room, work or play, 

I like to be behind, 
It makes the people turn and say — 

'How noble, how refined.'" 

A would-be lover thus began 

To interest a maid. 
Who looked with scorn upon the man, 

And then indignant said : 
"Indeed! — there's some mistake I fear, 

Your views, — but never mind. 
We now forever part, right here." 

"Ah! be not so unkind. 
To dwell not in thy heart again 

Will fill me with despair." 
"Apply your charming theory, then, 

For you were '•ahnosV there." 



82 




A KISS. 



HERE'S nothing on earth so uncertain. 

Producing both torture and bliss, 
Than fruit of the garden of Eden, 

So rapturously known as a kiss. 
'Tis the key of the Bluebeard chamber. 

The bright golden apple of Troy, 
The sunrise of hope in the faithful, 

The sunset of love — and its toy. 

It brings either gladness or torture. 

Turns wine into water or milk, 
Transforming enjoyment to sorrow. 

Or cotton to finest of silk. 
A mark of esteem and a traitor, 

Extending or closing the sight, 
A signal of rocks under water, 

A haven of purest delight. 

A mother's expressive affection 

Which others w^ill mimic for aye. 
The sting of the bee and its honey. 

The midnight of vice and its prey. 
The essence of passion effulging 

In fragrance excelling the rose. 
An elliptical (lip tickle) puzzle, 

And paradox hard to disclose. 



83 



JUNE. 



LUSHING matron, giving birth 
^|)>y^/To the precious stars of earth, 
^'U^y^ Fostering so tenderly 

All thy sister's progeny ; 
While upon thy breast reposes 
Love in ambush 'neath the roses. 

Orient streaks of warming- lio-ht 
Feast upon the tears of night, 
Kissing, with a fond embrace, 
Unrobed chastity for grace. 
While thy balmy sigh discloses 
Health and wealth in morning roses. 



e> 



Soon the sun will be of age. 

And a varied equipage 

Rise obedient to command. 
Spreading broadcast o'er the land 

Wheresoever man disposes. 

Here the weeds, and there the roses. 

Happy, cheerful, fragrant June, 
With thy feathered choir in tune. 

Sing to me of halcyon days 

That shall never cease to praise 
Him whose glorious love transposes 
Earth's sharp thorns to Heaven's sweet roses. 



84 



THE FADING YEAR. 




NOTHER year is drawing to a close 
And soon will vanish in the sea of time, 
5^ While all its deeds of good or ill repose, 
Or wake to memory's vivid pantomime. 

There is one great incentive to do good, 

Not for the passing joy such good may bring. 

But that the past, forever present, should 
Within the soul a fount of sunshine spring. 

Heaven is all love and peace, hell, dire remorse; 

That which he labors for, man shall obtain, 
And actions truly indicate his course 

As wind's located bv the movingf vane. 

We need not search for flowers in seas of ice 
Nor look for harvest till the seed is sown; 

Nor hope for blessings till we pay the price : 
God gives no credit, even to his own. 

The great Redeemer, dying on the cross, 
Is proof that we must give ere we receive; 

But every gift is solid gain, not loss, 
And gain proportionate as we believe. 

"Whate'er ye would that men should be to you 
So be to them ! " This all can understand, 
And when mankind that sacred path jDursue, 
God ever helpcth with an outstretched hand. 

85 



Methinks if we should for the future live, 
The past and present would be only joy; 

For happy consciousness alone would give 
A life worth living — endless peace to die. 



When God created Eden's charming bowers 
Their subtle fragrance breathed exquisite bliss, 

But not the thorns, the everlasting flowers 
Were then intended for our happiness. 

And why should we reject the precious gems 
That blossom yet on every path of life, 

Destroying flowers to pluck the slender stems, 
Or sifting peace to gather grains of strife ? 



This world is beautiful, and it is right 
To glorify the Maker in His works: 

Sackcloth and ashes, turning day to night, 

Too oft disclose where masked pretension lurks. 



Enjoy God's mercies, for to this great end 
We ask His blessing on the things we eat; 

And pray that He will ever condescend 
To make us satisfied just at His feet. 

Look back ! Yes it is wisdom to look back 
Upon the years that quickly pass away, 

And lay our follies on the chastening rack, 
To purify us for another day; 

86 



But not to mourn as those that have no hope, 
Behold a problem of this wondrous earth: 

A thread of will power has the strength of rope 
When mankind test their own allotted worth. 

Wherever our frail bodies live and move, 
The breath of God will constantly sustain. 

But nothing short of His infinite love, 

Can give or make sweet peace with us remain. 

We may be only clay, but by the power 
Of His almighty presence we are here. 

And, trusting to His mercy every hour, 
With faith submit the records of the year. 




87 



TO P. D. McGregor, Esa 

Treasurer of the Highland Association of Illinois, on the Death of His Wife. 



C9 



H E clouds of life have lowered, my friend, 

The shades of death have come 
In bitterest form that fate could send 

To desolate a home. 
No words of comfort now can fill 

The dear one's vacant chair, 
But silent sympathizers will 

Thy sad bereavement share. 

No earthly power can reconcile, 

But Heaven in mercy gave 
A flowing well of precious oil 

To soothe life's stormy wave; 
While memory fills the mourners' urns 

With sanctifying grief, 
Blest Hope triumphantly returns 

With sure and safe relief. 

The sweetest flowers are first to fade, 

The bliss most prized to end; 
Why God recalls the gems he made 

We cannot comprehend; 
But He that doeth all things well 

Can make a present loss 
More powerful than tongue can tell, 

To keep us near the cross. 

88 



And "near the cross" we are secure, 

For sorrow's but a name 
To One who by a word can cure 

The sick, the blind, the lame. 
It may be hard to realize 

How death can lead to life. 
Or how the christian's hope supplies 

The loss of home or wife. 

Yet so it is — we constant move 

As planets round the sun: 
The objects of infinite love 

And numbered one by one. 
Sure as the night departs with day — 

So all who seek will find 
A balm for woe, when faith's bright ray 

Illuminates the mind. 

Then cheer, my friend, be not cast down; 

Beyond the mystic tomb 
The great white throne, the victor's crown, 

The flowers eternal bloom. 
The gates of pearl, the streets of gold. 

The Answerer of prayer, 
Your angel wife can now behold; 

For Christ himself is there. 



(7) 89 



CONTENTMENT. 



^^ET us live in sweet contentment, 
^^/ Struggling not for worthless fame, 
But let honest independence 

Be our great — our noblest aim; 
Without labor, life's a burden, 

When our talents we employ, 
Every shadow has its sunbeam. 
Every sorrow has its joy. 

Let us live in sweet contentment. 

Nor let envy fill our breast. 
Nor let vain, ambitious grandeur 

E'er deprive us of our rest. 
Blest with treasure, robed in power 

E'en the monarch on his throne 
Is no happier than the peasant, 

With contentment in his home. 

Let us live in sweet contentment, 

And be cheerful while we may; 
Wait not for the coming morrow, 

Be oiu" happiest time to-day. 
Life is only what we make it. 

Bright or cloudy, good or ill; 
True to-day and true forever. 

What we sow we reap it still. 



90 



Let us lire in sweet contentment, 

All are not endowed with wealth, 
They enjoy the best possession, 

Who are blest with strength and health. 
All have blessings in abundance, 

God's great love and God's dear Son, 
Happy they who with contentment 

Calmly say, "Thy will be done." 




91 



LILAC BLOSSOMS. 




IRGIN gems of summer days. 

Sentinels of spring, 
Heralding melodious lays 

Love alone can bring : 
Welcome to enraptured sight 

Each inspiring plume, 
Yielding for our pure delight 

Sweetest of perfume. 

Lovely lilac blossoms. 
In your fragrant shade, 

Truth and virtue linger. 

Hearths and homes are made. 

Happiness forever fills 

The palace or the cot. 
Where thy floral beauty thrills 

With forget-me-not; 
Leaves impressions on the heart 

Time can ne'er destroy, 
Bliss, that only can depart 

For eternal joy. 

Charming lilac blossoms. 
In your tranquil shade, 

Hope triumphant reigning 
Heaven's foundation's laid. 



92 




JULY. 



EALTH-GIVING month, with genial smile, 
As water round a fruitful isle, 

Encompass life with clearest sky 
Bright, warm July. 

Long clay of sunshine and delight 
Bathing in dew of tranquil night. 

True pleasure reigns without alloy 
In sweet July. 

Now strangers meet that do not part. 
Till webs are woven round the heart. 
Dissolving feelings cold and shy 
With love's July. 

Here friendship, free from all restraint, 
Robs recreation of her plaint. 
Establishing an alibi 

For care, — July. 



How grateful, in the hours of ease. 
We hail the foliage of the trees 
That shelter as they beautify 
Thy charms, July. 

So shall God's blessed home of rest 
Protect and glorify the blest. 

And angels every want supply 
In heaven's July. 

93 



THE BEGGAR DUKE. 



|N a manufacturing city, 

Near the busy stock exchange, 
Stood a man inspiring pity 

In a manner somewhat strange. 



As the days and weeks rolled over. 
Early with the sun he came, 

But from whence, none could discover. 
Or his history or name. 

There are many will remember 
How he stood out all alone 

From the new year to December, 
Like a statue cut in stone. 



Noble in his looks and bearing, 
Handsome as a man could be, 

Snowwhite beard his age declaring. 
But concealed identity. 

Not soliciting a living. 

Yet as merchants passed that way 
Many were from habit, giving 

Something to him every day. 



94 



All his thanks was simply bowing 
With a captivating- smile, 

Making those when him endowing 
Pleased as resting after toil. 



Joyfully, and singing gaily, 

A young merchant prince passed by. 
Whose large contributions daily 

Increased the old man's supply. 

Till, one day, no longer cheerful. 

Passed the young man, looking grave; 

Hesitating, doubting, fearful, 
Half the usual sum he grave. 

From that time, no sign of laughter 
Did the princely merchant show. 
And his small donations after 
• Seemed indicative of woe. 



Till, no more with sunshine beaminc 
O'er his handsome, generous face. 

He would pass by without seeming 
To observe the old man's place. 



Soon the beggar saw that sorrow 

Dimmed the eye and paled the cheek. 

And resolved that on the morrow 
He would to the merchant speak. 



95 



"Noble sir," he said, "how grieving 
'Tis to see thee full of care. 

If thy looks are not deceiving 

Thy good heart has trouble there." 

"I am sorry if revealing 

My misfortune gives thee pain; 
Dear old man, one troubled feeling 

Is that never more again 



Can I aid thee, for my losses 
Are so many and so great; 

Unto all mankind a cross is, 

Mine's to lose my large estate." 



"True, alas too true thy saying. 

Still, the cross may bring a crown, 

Often generous thoughts obeying 
Will remove Dame Fortune's frown. 



"But when bitter grief concealing. 
We are helping life to end. 

Nothing cheers us like revealing 
All our sorrows to a friend. 



"I am old, but never wear}' 
Hearkening to tales of grief. 

And though thine be ne'er so dreary, 
Telling it may bring relief. 

06 



^'Sometimes dark clouds hover o'er us, 

Leading to a glorious light, 
Well we know not what's before us. 

Come unto my home to-night, 

• 

*'And I'll entertain thee gladly 
While my history I tell." 
Said the merchant very sadly, 

"Good old man, thou meanest well. 



•"But alas, in thy position » 

Thou canst nothing say to me 

To relieve my sad condition." 

Said the old man: "Come and see." 



*'Be it so, thy cares and sorrow 

P'rhaps may make mine own seem small, 
Oft from others' woe we borrow 

Comfort that sustaineth all." 



Soon they reached a dwelling lonely 
Where the beggar took his guest. 

Who had eyes for nothing, only 
A sweet maiden lounged at rest. 

• 

Hearing voices, quick she started. 

Blushing as a lovely flower. 
But her color soon departed 

And the merchant's speech lost power, 

97 



Gazing- like as one demented 
Until each exchanged a word, 

And the old man half repented 
Of his action, when he heard 



But a name, by each one uttered 
Simultaneous in his ear. 

Paul! Selina! faintly muttered, 
Not as strangers they appear. 



These two words of recognition 
Filled the trio with reg-ret. 

Spake the maid in deep contrition, 
"Father, Paul and I have met 



"Many times, but he has never 
Asked or my position known. 

Nor my name, but constant ever 
He has offered me his own." 



Gazed the old man, strange and wildly- 
"Speak, O Paul," the maiden cried. 

Answered he, then, very mildly, 
"Sir, oft vainly have I tried 

"With my soul's best impulse moving 

Me to gain this lady dear, 
Her sweet lips confessed to loving. 

But refused my suit to hear. 

98 



"Turn not angry looks upon her, 

Let them rest on me alone, 
And if aught there is with honor 

I can do, let me atone." 

Soon the old man's eyes turned brighter^ 
Hearkening to the merchant's prayer, 

While his heart seemed growing lighter^ 
Thus he spoke the loving pair: 

"Dear my daughter, truly feeling 
Falsehood ne'er thy lips can stain, 

Tell me then, with naught concealing. 
Does thy heart such thoughts contain 



"As would thy old sire forsaking 
Cling with all thy hope in life 

To this lover were he making- 
Thee his lawful wedded wife?" 



"Dear my father, while I truly 
Love with all a virgin's heart. 

Never shall I be unruly 

Nor till death from thee I part." 

"Merchant, this affection taught her 
Lays a burden on thy head; 

Dost thou love a beggar's daughter 
As with her to lawful wed 



99 



Or with gold, pure love to measure, 
Didst thou want her for a toy 

To discard at thine own pleasure 
When another gave more joy?" 

"Ah, dear sir, such words thou knowest 
Do but wrong thy noble mind ; 

Well 'tis proved, where'er thou goest 
Love can ne'er a boundary find, 

•*'But may faithful be abiding 

In a vassal to a Queen, 
And in hope and heaven confiding 

Live in constancy unseen ; 



"Such a love though born to perish 
When it reached a goal divine, 

As the hope of heaven I cherish 
I would make Selina mine." 



"Granted that 'tis love, or rather 
Feelings that are counted sweet, 

Would'st thou have a wife, whose father 
Stood a beggar, in the street?" 

^'Ah, dear sir, these words remind me 

Of my own sad loss and lot. 
While this sweet surprise did blind me, 

Mine own sorrows were forgot. 

loo 



"Beggars are as kings comparing 
What to me shall soon befall, 

And I am not sane when darins: 
Now to speak of love at all. 

"Glad for words that thou hast spoken^ 
M^hich arouse me from a spell, 

Honor, but with vows unbroken, 
Forces me to say farewell. 

"Sailing smooth in smiling water, 
Prospering in fortune's tide. 

All my soul yearned for thy daughter 
To become my precious bride." 

Waved the old man's hand a flourish, 
"Hold!" he cried, then spake he mild^ 

"He that would a father nourish 
Will be faithful to his child. 



"How long said'st thou, ere the failing 
Of thy business shall be known?" 

"In three days," he sighed, bewailing^ 
"Lose I all I once did own." 



"Then if thou desirest ever 

My Selina to obtain. 
It must be ere that, or never 

Shall ye meet on earth again.' 

lOI 



^'Generous sir, give me that blessing 
I shall never fortune miss, 

If thy daughter me possessing 

Cometh from such cause as this." 



"Good my daughter, as a token 
That your happiness is mine, 

Let your vows remain unbroken ; 
Paul, Selina shall be thine! 



<'And to prove I trust thee v^'^holly, 
Soon ye shall be joined as one. 

Actions that are pure and holy 
Cannot be too quickly done. 

*'Here no longer sadly sighing, 
But for wedlock quick prepare. 

Fortune's frowns, the world defying, 
Each the other's burdens share. 



"Now adieu, from faith we'll borrow 
Thoughts to furnish future bliss. 

And the rising sun to-morrow 
Shall behold your happiness." 

Glad for once the happy lover 
Left his sweet Selina's side; 

Glad the morning sun discover 
A deligfhted grroom and bride. 

102 



*'Now, my children, come, before ye 
Yield to pleasure we must toil. 

Paul, give ear unto my story 
That I promised thee erstwhile. 

"Exiled for a tyrant's reason, 
Wealth and titles from me torn, 

Accusations false of treason. 
Honor turned to bitter scorn, 



*'In a stranger land relying 

On the generous of the earth, 

While my darling wife lay dying 
As she gave Selina birth. 



Then for many years we wandered 
Till we settled here, at last. 

With my large estates all squandered 
I would ne'er reveal the jDast, 

"But there came to me quite latel} 
One dear friend of happy youth, 

Recognized and very greatly 
Filled me with surprising truth. 



*'Now the tyrant has been banished 

To repent his sins alone. 
While with him my foes have vanished, 

But restored to me mine own. 

103 



"As the Duke of Montefinnit 

Know me; and now, Paul, away! 

Here is wealth, this very minute 
Go and all thou owest pay." 

"Sir," the young man cried ; but waving 
High his hand, the Duke replied, 

"Not a word, but time be saving 
Quicker to enjoy thy bride." 

Soon with happy face returning, 
Kneeling to the Duke he came. 

Gratitude his bosom burning 
For his loving bride and name. 



"Rise, dear Paul," the Duke said smiling, 

"Said I not to 'come and see,' 
Now with love, all care beguiling. 

Go to one more dear to thee." 



After this, in splendor ever 

Lived the Duke, no longer strange, 
But henceforth the beggar never 

More was seen near the Exchange. 



104 



GOOD NIGH'-MORN ! 



3 



N the fairy dreamland 

Wandering with deHght, 
Till the lips reluctant 

Softly breathe good-night: 
Scarce the word is spoken 

Till another's born, 
Sweetly, smoothly blending 
Into "Good Nigh'- Morn," 

Like the sun of summer 

In the Northern sky. 
Thy continuous presence 

Permeating joy. 
Sleeping or awaken 

Life shall still adorn, 
Kissing one eternal 

Loving Good Nigh'-Morn; 

Till the happy future 

With thy charms all won, 
Shall by constant blending 

Weave our souls in one; 
Till, no longer fearing, 

Doubting or forlorn, 
We shall without parting 

Whisper, Good Nigh'-Morn. 



(8) 105 



IN MEMORIAM. 



W. I. HASTINQS. 




AREWELL forever, generous hearted friend, 
How sad, how sudden, thy untimely end. 
No kindred near to list thy fleeting breath. 
No welcome voice to soothe the pangs of death. 

The other day, how gladly did we join 
In homely circle, singing "Auld Lang Syne," 
Hands grasped in hands, reluctantly to part, 
And fond emotions binding heart to heart. 

Was this to be the glorious setting sun. 
The avant courier of a life near run. 
Whose excellence departing must appear 
To make our precious memory doubly dear? 

Esteemed, admired by all — a foe to none — 
'Tis hard to realize that thou art gone. 
A void, a want, possesses every mind 
In search of somethinof we shall never find. 



'to 



But, oh! God pity those with nearer ties 
Who wait all that remains of him they prize. 
And make this storm of life a peaceful calm, 
When He shall, with the wound, apply the balm. 

And let this thought their sorrowing assuage. 
That truest love — life's greatest heritage 
To mourning relatives — this tribute sends 
From all he loved as Minneapolis friends. 

1 06 



IN MEMORIAM. 



CHILDREN OF MR. AND MRS. RUDOLF RUBEN. 
Chicago, Ills. 




WO little rosebud's counterparts, 

Most beautiful and brigfht. 
As ever filled fond parents' hearts 

With pleasure and delight, 
Plucked by disease before the hue 

Of health their cheeks forsake, 
Hidden forever from our vievv^, 

Ere sympathies awake. 

Brother and Sister, we all feel 

And share your sudden woe, 
But to the Comforter apjDeal 

For strength to bear the blow; 
He only has the pass and sign. 

The balm for bosoms riven, 
That calls your loved ones home to join 

Angelic hosts in heaven. 



107 



HOW TO ASK. 



//^Ojrlt^ORE pie, more cake, I want some more,'* 
.^-^ML t/ The household pet repeating cried. 
c<^C^-^ The father heard his child of four. 
And thus instructively replied : 
That's not the way to ask, my dear, 
Come, try again to please Papa." 
For answer came a bitter tear, 

A sob, a shout, " More pie. Mamma." 



" Now if you weep and talk like that, 

You'll have to leave the table, pet," 
He said, and firmly looking at 

The daring one, their eyes had met. 
Now more subdued, the little one 

Relieved her feelings with a sigh, 
And victory over self near won. 

Submissive said she: "Pa, more pie." 



" Not yet, my dear, just try again." 

A pause, then sudden as a ray 
Of happy sunshine after rain, 

" Oh yes, I know now what to say; 
Please Pa," she cried in joyful glee, 

"Please Ma," with smiles and laughing eye, 
" Will you and Papa please give me 

Another piece of cake and pie?" 

1 08 



*' Why yes, my darling, and a kiss. 

Because just now you asked so sweet." 
The child at night in slumbering bliss, 

Please Pa, Please Ma, the words repeat. 
Oh parents, think not you alone 

Require fond words to give delight. 
Before the Heavenly Father's throne 

Those that receive must ask arisfht. 

How often when we kneel in prayer 

Petitions are more like demand. 
Which failing to obtain a share 

Of blessings, we should understand 
That God, at least, as much requires 

As parents gave this child for task. 
For mercy, and for good desires. 

Lord, kindly teach us how to ask. 




109 




CANADA. 

AIR-CALVARY. 

AIL! glorious land of Canada! 
For thee we give one grand hurrah! 
While echoes ring from shore to shore 
Exulting hearts will love thee more. 

CHORUS. 

Oh, Canada, near and afar 
Thou art the pilgrim's guiding star. 
Dear Canada! where'er we roam. 
Affection clings to thee, our home. 

Thy chain of lakes like ocean's breast. 
Hath charms to please in storm or rest; 
As ring upon the willing bride 
They bind true friends on either side. 

Thy hills and dales and wealth untold. 
In minerals rich more prized than gold. 
Invite the world to penetrate 
And enter in thy pearly gate. 

Thy forest homes and maple trees 
Delisfht the soul in search of ease; 
Thy healthy race of men declare 
That nature reigns all perfect there. 

But dearer far than all we sing, 
Or poet's fond imagining, 
Thy daughters pure as driven snow» 
Constrain our hearts to love thee so. 
no 



THE SERENADE. 




CAVALIER one summer nig-ht 

Beside an open window strayed, 
And with guitar, in sweet delight. 

Prepared his love to serenade. 
Her shadow charmingly was seen, 

But horror came the parlor from, 
He heard with wild dismay, his queen 

Repeating say, " My own dear Tom." 

With instrument dashed on the ground. 

He boldly, madly rushed inside. 
The maid, alarmed, alone he found. 

Now where is your "dear Tom," he cried? 
" Sir," said the maid, " my hands let loose, 

Now go — and tell your mamma, that 
I want no lover such a goose, 

As to be jealous of a cat." 



Ill 



THE MAIDS OF DETROIT. 




THE maids of Detroit 
Are as lovely and bright 
As the sun on a midsummer day, 
With a life-giving smile 
Like the flowers on Belle Isle 
And their breath sw^eet as newly-mown hay. 

Tempting lips that disclose 

Where the lily and rose 
Are excelled in their exquisite hue, 

Dainty hands, gentle mien,' 

Little feet modest seen 
As forget-me-nots bathing in dew. 

Blithe as sprightly young fawns 

When the gray morning dawns, 
See them cheerily moving along. 

Every footstep they take 

Is enough to awake 
All the raptui-e of poets to song. 

And at noon, eve or night 

Like bewildering light, 
Or as rainbow of promise they cheer, 

While the clear happy eyes 

Take the heart by surprise 
And give birth to a friendship sincere. 

112 



Theirs a beauty and grace 
Of the form and the face 

That true lovers are captured at sight, 
And young Cupid in arms 
Says " the maids have such charms 

That they've no use for him in Detroit." 

Still he lingers around 
For the suitors 'tis found, 

And his arrows are constantly hurled 
Till an excellent shot 
Strikes an unguarded spot 

Of the dearest and best in the world. 

But the maids of the Straits 

Are the pets of the fates, 
For as matrons so much they delight, 

That a man's blest for life 

If he gets for a wife 
Just the average maid of Detroit. 




"3 



LOVERS' QUARRELS. 



/^ REAT essentials of existence, 
^^ Little clouds jDroducing rain, 
Cultivating from a distance 

Choicest plants and richest grain; 
What a vast storehouse of treasure, 

That compounded interest brings — 
Little busy bees — with pleasure 
Making honey heal the stings. 



What is life without commotion ? 

Dull, monotonous, and stale: 
Ships becalmed upon the ocean 

Drift from ports to which they'd sail 
Love requires impulsive feeling 

To effulge its richest bloom — 
Little storms, its depth revealing. 

To exhale desired perfume. 



Hills and valleys — thorns and roses, 

Clouds and sunshine, smiles and tears, 
One Creator all disposes 

To their own allotted spheres. 
Parting makes our meeting dearer. 

Sorrow sanctifies love's kiss: 
Water filtered sparkles clearer, 

True forgiveness sweetens bliss. 

114 



Thus do disagreements season, 

And declare our true regard ; 
There is little fear of treason 

In the free, outspoken word. 
This great truth the sage discovers. 

On the mount o'erlookingf life: 
Those who quarrel most as lovers 

Best agree when man and wife. 



ONLY LEONE. 




\'^NLY Leone! but a pleasant theme 
For an artist's brush or a poet's dream, 
^All that is beautiful take for its throne 
Only Leone, Only Leone. 

Only Leone in her youthful prime, 
As rich ripe fruit of a tropical clime, 
Sweet, luscious, and tempting for all to own. 
Only Leone, Only Leone. 

Only Leone, as a world to me, 
Companion in time and eternity. 
No other desire possessing alone, 
Only Leone, Only Leone. 



"5 



SANTA GLAUS. 



) 



•i^^HREE children had one dollar each 
4||^7 To spend for Christmas day, 
'^^V And met in joint committee to 
Consider its outlay. 



" I'll buy," said one, " some toys for Babe, 

A handkerchief for Ma, 
Some building blocks for Brother, and 

I don't know what for Pa; 
A story book for Sister, and 

A lovely scrap book, too. 
And all the rest I'll keep till I 

Decide just what to do." 



Another said : " I'm going to buy 

Some trinkets for my hair. 
Some cards, a case, some sweet perfume. 

And gloves, a pretty pair. 
And then I'd like to buy a muff — 

And whisper, girls — you know 
I want to get a pair of those 

We hung up long ago." 



ii6 



The third one said, " with a few cent&^ 

I'll buy some mistletoe 
And make it into small bouquets 

To leave where I shall go, 
When visiting- poor little girls 

That live within our ward. 
And as I don't need money now 

I'll lend mine to the Lord." 



At this the others were amazed, 
And looked it with their eyes, 

Yet wishing to investigate 

They questioned with surprise. 



" How can you lend unto the Lord, 

By Him alone we live?" 
" Yes, but you know we lend to Him- 

When to the poor we give. 



"And as God gave so much to us 
On the first Christmas day. 

He will be pleased to know that we 
Give our good things away. 



"And many would be warmed and filled 

By even girls and boys. 
If more were spent in this good way 

And less on sweets and toys.'' 

117 



From infant lips to thought's high throne 

Doth wisdom penetrate. 
Which of these children do you think 

Is best to imitate? 



The first one buys for friends, the next 
Herself to please and dress, 

The third relieves and cheers the poor; 
Which gets most happiness? 



From sacred writ an answer comes 

That "inasmuch as ye 
The hungry feed, the weak sustain, 

Ye do it unto Me." 



Then let us try as this sweet child 

To merit the reward 
By succoring the needy ones 

By lending to the Lord, 
On this the great birthday of peace, 

The best to Christians given. 
On which God's precious love bestows 

Inheritance to heaven. 



ii8 



IN MEMORIAM. 



F. Wickham and Sisters, on the Death of their Sister Louise. 




HROUGH the valley— o'er the river, 

To the land of blissful rest, 
Jesus calls your loving sister 

Home to sleep upon his breast. 
Then be not as hopeless mourners, 

There is comfort for all grief 
When the one that wills the sorrow 
Is the same that gives relief. 

Freely from His tender bosom 

Streams of deep compassion flow, 
And his gentle soothing pity 

Only prayerful sufferers know. 
All the weary, heavy laden, 

He upholdeth with his might; 
As he chasteneth with the left hand, 

He sustaineth with the rig-ht. 

Now, Louise is with the angels, 

Far removed from pain or care, 
With the sanctified, rejoicing; 

May your thoughts her glory share. 
And may God from heaven's high temple, 

Send you holy manna down. 
Peace while living — grace when dying. 

And the saint's immortal crown. 



119 



MY OWN DEAR WIFE. 



Written for Hacfarline Neilson, Jackson, Hich. 



CY own dear wife! as time rolls by, 
Each year seems shorter than the last; 
aCsi And present bliss or future joy 
Is only equaled by the past. 
The sunshine of thy cheerful heart 
Dissolves each iceberg of despair, 
Makes winter from my thoughts depart 
And brings eternal summer there. 



My own dear wife ! Let others boast 

The vast attractions gold can bring; 
The charms of earth that please me most 

Are compassed with a little ring. 
Afflictions great have served to prove 

Affection only gains when tried — 
That more to me, thy precious love. 

Than all that's in this world beside. 

My own dear wife! My better self ! 

Best treasure thou to mortal given ! 
Possessor of the only wealth 

That opes the pearly gates of heaven. 
Again I dedicate to thee 

All that can bind my soul to life, 
And hail this Anniversary 

Of God's great gift to me — my wife. 

120 



GENERAL RUSSELL A. ALGER. 




LGER the general, noble and brave, 
Foremost in fight when the battle flags wave, 
Fast by his comrade's side 
Bravely he would have died 
Out in the field his loved country to save. 

Alger the governor, upright, sedate. 
Statesman and orator, humble though great. 

Seeking to suit the hour 

Aid from a higher power 
True to his Maker, and true to his State. 

Alger the lumberman, active in trade. 
Faithful and honest a millionaire made. 

Himself a toiler then 

Would have for workingmen 
Value for labor that ought to be paid. 

Alger the bountiful, friend to the poor, 
List to his words that should ever endure, 

" The greatest good we find 

Is to relieve mankind." 
Oh what great good for himself is secure. 



Alger the model, whose excellent worth, 
Causeth the Nation to honor his birth, 
And make his name be heard 
As a dear household word 
Filling the highest position on earth. 

(9) 121 



m 



FAITH. 



Y papa says yes, so you see I am right, 
Though everyone said I was wrong; 
You'll see I shall go to my grandma's to-night 
With Dolly, but not to stay long; 
For all little girls should go early to bed, 

If they want to be good like mamma, 
But I must get ready to go where I said, 
I'm going to-night.. Ain't I, Pa? 

In all contradictions 'tis ever the same, 

Though many are made but to tease. 
She asks of her father the truth to proclaim 

And say which is right, "Papa, please." 
One word from the parent will settle debate, 

Yea, even a look or a kiss 
Will reverse all the no's that her playmates state 

If she feels that her papa means yes. 

From this four-year-old child a lesson we learn, 

That all might with earnestness heed: 
If childlike to God all disputes we should turn. 

What matters our doctrine or creed? 
If our Father says yes, let the world say no. 

Rely on the Word from above; 
Lay hold of the Rock, let the quicksands go. 

And strengthen true faith by His love. 



122 



EMPRESS OF MY SOUL. 




EAR Empress of my soul, 
I fondly turn to thee, 

As sunflowers to the sun 

As blossoms to the bee. 

Thy beauteous form, thine eye's soft dart, 
Createth bliss, makes grief depart. 
True as the needle to the pole 

Thou art the magnet of my heart 

And Empress of my soul 

Loved Empress of my soul. 

Bright Empress of my soul, 

If love there be on earth 
Thou art the purest one 
To give to all its birth. 

None can resist thy charmingr grace: 
One look upon thy angel face 
Will bring all hearts 'neath thy control. 

But thou art mine, thy reigning place 
Is Empress of my soul — 
Sw^eet Empress of my soul. 



123 



IN MEMORIAM. 



To W. A. Noble and Family, on the Death of Hrs Noble's Fathen- 




HEN the golden bowl is broken, 

And the silver cord is loosed, 
When the last farewell is spoken. 

Even Hope becomes confused. 
Till the Lily of the Valley 

And the Rose of Sharon shed, 
As our comforter and ally, 

Sweetest fragrance o'er the dead. 

Though the tree no more may flourish,. 

And the crystal stream be dry, 
When no mortal aid can nourish 

Or our smallest want supply; 
Then the heart involuntary 

Turns to glorious things above,^ 
And the winds that seem contrary,. 

Waft us to the source of love^ 



124 



Welcome refuge, never failing, 

Anchorage of rest and peace. 
In the Ark of safety sailing. 

Storms abate and trouble cease. 
Jesus, by the calm still waters 

And the pastures of thy grace, 
""Midst thy consecrated daughters 

Give our burdened ones a place. 

In our families and meetinsfs. 

In our bosoms we shall feel 
Sympathetic loving greetings 

That mere words cannot reveal. 
But how helpless is our grieving. 

All that we can do or say, 
Is, almighty powers believing, 

For your happiness to pray. 

Bless our sister and our brother, 

Lift their heavy load of care; 
Make them solace one another 

In the sanctity of prayer. 
And though earthly parent never 

More shall dry the falling tear, 
May the Heavenly One forever 

Be their Father near and dear. 



125 



TRIFLES. 



F we can to the troubled soul convey 

A little balm for pain, 
Or for a moment chase some gloom away 

We have not lived in vain. 
All gentle acts of kindness illustrate 

Nobility of mind, 
As morning gray and blue sky indicate 

A glorious sun behind. 

The widow's mite, thank God, is powerful yet 

A better love to teach 
Than strictest moralists can ever get. 

Or parsimony preach. 
A drop of water or a crust of bread. 

Or soothing comfort given, 
When pain or hunger droop the weary head 

Are good passports to heaven. 

Such little trifles are as overflow 

Of rivers, lakes and seas. 
Or perfume that escapes where flowers grow 

And scent the passing breeze. 
The more they yield the more their treasures are ; 

Hence easily believe 
That fruits of charity are better far 

To give, than to receive. 

126 



But if not so, the thought of doing good 

More streams and flowers would raise, 
Than wise philosophy has understood; 

And God receive the praise, 
For all good works ascend the throne of grace, 

Though silent be our prayer. 
And he who makes the heart delights to trace 

His own example there. 

When gathering in the harvest of the soil, 

Like Boaz, let trifles fall. 
The gleaners may not have Ruth's grateful smile. 

But One beholdeth all; 
And those that freely give, the flock to feed 

Of God's anointed Son, 
Shall be preserved in every time of need 

And hear the blest "Well done ! " 




127 



THE FIRST LETTER. 




tow the clouds of life are lighter, 
All the world is growing brighter 
^-^^ Since I got a charming letter, 
From the one I prize so dear; 
With its beautiful expressions 
That enrich all my possessions, 
A beloved name is written 
'Neath the words, " your friend sincere." 

Magic talisman of gladness, 
Banisher of care and sadness, 

Pouring incense on the altar. 

That is consecrate to thee ; 
Sing, my soul, in joyful chorus, 
Peace and happiness are o'er us, 

Now the one so fondly cherished, 

Is a friend sincere to me. 

Harbinger, my bosom cheering. 
Friend in modest grace appearing, 

Hope's safe anchor, I salute thee, 

Eldorado of desire! 
Friend to share my true devotion. 
Friend to change life's troubled ocean 

To a sea of blest emotion. 

That thy purity inspire. 

128 



Sunbeams dance in merry radiance, 

Flowers burst forth with bloom and fragfrance. 
Rolling waters warble music, 
That those precious words impart, 

Bless, kind heaven, our sweet communion, 

Ratify the sacred union. 

Friends, true friends, forever bind us, 
Thought to thought, and heart to heart. 




129 



HERRING. 



^T^AT MURPHY was a weaver, and 

^-.i^As good as any in the land, 

Who traveHng the country o'er 
To earn his board and something more. 
Had just got work from Mickey Queer; 
His board, and eight pounds ten a year. 
So casting anchor he began 
To prove himself a first-class man. 
From early morn till late at night, 
His shuttle went from left to right; 
But Pat had one unchanging creed — 
The board should regulate its speed. 
'Twas Lent, and herring salt and dry. 
His master's table did sujDply. 
Pat liked the fish, but felt quite blue 
To see the herring cut in two, 
His shuttle seemed to say, despairing: 
" Half-a-her-ring-half-a-her-ring." 
His master noting this, took care 
That Pat should have a better share. 
The fish were served out whole next day, 
Which changed the shuttle's speed to say: 
(Rejoicing at his better faring) 
"Herring, herring, herring, herring." 
Now his emjDloyer was not slow 
To learn what made the shuttle go, 
Next day Pat got a half one more, 
Which made an increase as before. 



130 



The shuttleyf^^^^ seemed to laugh: 
"A herring and a half, half, half, 

A herring and a half " — From that 

No victuals were too good for Pat. 
His master sent him to the town 
Delivering goods to Brown & Brown, 

Who looking at the cloth, had seen 

Two holes where holes should not have been. 
"We must," said they, "a lesson teach. 

And charge for these a sixpence each." 
"Musha! " cries Pat, " Sure you don't say 

For h'U/e holes like those we'd pay." 
"Why yes!" says Brown, and looking wise, 
" We charge for numders, not for size." 
" For numbers is it? Then look here; 

Let me examine them for Queer; 

Why, jintlemen, upon my life. 

These holes are close as man and wife. 

And would you charge" — "Yes, yes," says Brown* 

With flushing face and angry frown, 

While quick as lightning, bent on fun, 

Pat tore the two holes into one. 
"Now ' By the Hill o' Howth,'" says he, 
" I've saved one sixpence, d'ye see." 

Then tramping liome, in secret joy 

He muttered this soliloquy: 
"Och! When ould Mickey hears my tale, 

Pll get izvo herring ivery male." 



131 



BECAUSE. 




HE stars were shining bright and clear; 

As stars quite frequent do, 
About the harvest time of j^ear 

When lovers love to woo. 
The maiden hearkened as he plead 

His suit without a pause, 
And answering his question, said: 

" Oh, no, — not now — because. — " 



"Because for what, do tell me why, 

I know that I am poor. 
But then, my darling, I would try 

To make you happy, sure." 
■" Oh, no, it is not that, I mean, 

I see no faults or flaws:" 
-"Then tell me what it is, my queen." 

" Because, oh just — because." 



The youth went home that night to sleep, 

That is to stretch in bed 
And ponder o'er the subject deep 

Why Jenny would not wed : 
"I have it now," he cried with glee 

And self-bestowed applause; 
■" Next time I ask sweet Jennie, she 

Will have me, just — because. 



132 



Soon afterward the maiden heard 

Her mother with surprise 
Say, "Jenny darHng, how absurd 

Your conduct's in my eyes. 
John's uncle's willed him all he had 

Without another clause, 
And if you're not entirely bad, 

You'll marry him — because. — " 

John, hearing not of sudden wealth, 

Had bought a plain gold ring 
And slipped it on the girl with stealth 

As happy as a king: 
" There now," he cried, " I claim my bride- 

In spite of fate or laws." 
The maiden blushing by his side. 

Said not a word, — because. — 

They're married now, he thinks he gained. 

The maid by being bold; 
Dame rumor says 'twas all explained 

By what her mother told: 
But both are pleased, so we conclude. 

No matter what the cause. 
To watch them longer would be ruda 

Because, — well just — because. 



133 



WHAT ARE YOU KOW? 




NCE I had wealth abundantly, 

Was rich in gold and land; 
And servants robed in livery 

Awaited my command. 
Ah! life was bright and beautiful, 

No sorrow furred mv brow — " 
But halt, a voice says sneeringly. 

Pray tell us what you're now! 

For you must know, where'er you go, 

Tis all the same I vow, 
The world don't care what once you were, 

But just what are you now? 

*' My youth was passed in poverty; 

So little was my store, 
That oft with all its misery 

The wolf was at the door. 
Then fortune smiling plentiful 

Mv manhood did endow," 
Ah, well," this time approvingly, 

" Consider what you're now." 

Full well you know where'er you go 

The people smile and bow. 
For all your ways there's naught but praise 

To be what you are now. 



134 



Some have been poor and made quite rich, 

And some quite rich turn poor, 
Some always stumble in the ditch 

That others pass secure. 
It little matters what we've seen, 

Or what we may, somehow 
The all-important question is 

What are you now, just now. 

Then this I say, whatever may 

Blind fortune disallow, 
Your head keep high, make others sigh 

To find out what you're now. 

Though some that once were happy, may 

Bewail their present state. 
While others that were wretched once 

May now be rich and great: 
Upon life's ocean let good deeds 

Direct the vessel's prow,' 
To where contentment reigns supreme 

And all be happy now. 

To strong and weak, let conscience speak, 

And all its claims allow. 
Then rich and poor, you may be sure. 

Will all be happy now. 



135 



HAPPY NEW YEAR. 




IGH no moi-e drearily, 

Trembling with fear, 
Joyously, cheerily, 

Faithful, sincere; 
As to a loving bride 
Look at life's brightest side, 
Hope in the great untried — 
Happy new year! 



If fortune spitefully 

Check our career. 
Courage will rightfully. 

Gracefully veer 
Round to a smoother course, 
Energy will endorse 

With all thy aid and force 
Happy new year! 



Bountiful charity 

Shining so clear, 
Brings to a parity 

Every one here. 
Praised be His holy name, 
God loveth each the same. 
And would have all exclaim 
Happy new year! 

136 



Starboard watch, steadily 

Onwardly steer, 
Larboard watch, readily 

On deck appear: 
So shall life's vessel move, 
Watched by infinite love. 
Bringing thy treasure-trove, 
Happy new year! 

As the heart youthfully 

Hopes for good cheer, 
Heaven will truthfully 
Dry sorrow's tear. 
Blessings so freely thrown, 
Waiting for all to own, 

Herald the loved unknown — 
Happy new year! 

Gratefully, thankfully. 

Promises hear, 
Trustfull}', tranquilly, 

God's words revere: 
"With you I am alway," 

Near thee. Lord, make us stay 
And to thy creatures say: 
Happy new year! 



(lo) 137 



MOTHER. 



sni 



OTHER, farewell! Though we must ever part, 
Your love the same, will always fill my heart, 
As when a child I fondled on your knee, 
Or when life's steps, in youth's simplicity 
Were guided sweet by thee. Oh, where art thou? 
I cannot hear thy prayers around me now; 
Listless to me the grief that others moan; 
My light, my life, my joy from earth has flown. 
Oh, with what rapture would my soul rejoice 
To hear thy blessing and thy warning voice 
In unity again. But thou art dead! 
The life blood from thy loving heart has fled. 
In vain I look; in vain I list to hear 
The music of thy voice, the accents clear 
That but so late, so sweetly warbled round 
In harmony divine, their blissful sound. 
Mother, my loss how faintly words express; 
My heart is like a barren wilderness 
O'er which the sun refuses more to shine; 
Yet, all its thoughts are sacred, they are thine. 
At morn, and noon, and night will fancy paint 
Tlie blessed image of my mother saint. 
At morn, I see thee in the rosy sky. 
And in the lark that soars the heavens high: 
I see thee mirrored when the orb of day 
Sheds light and heat with one refulgent ray. 



138 



And when the dewdrops spangle on the flowers, 
And when the moon displays her potent powers, 
And in my dreams at night, thy form I see— 
For all that's sweet on earth resembles thee. 



PRAYER AT SEA. 



^ REAT King of Heaven, be thou our guide, 
While o'er the deep blue sea we ride; 
Plowe'er the breeze inconstant veer, 
Thy guiding hand our vessel steer. 
Fill with bright hope each fearing heart. 
And let thy spirit soft impart 
That thou supreme o'er all doth reio-n. 
That thou art everywhere the same. 
In climes where mortals seldom roam 
As in the blissful shades of home. 
Protect us, Lord, while now we rove 
And haste us back to all we love. 



139 



TO MISS OCTA E. WISE. 



On Her Piano Solo of " Thoughts." 




WEET maid, when I the " Thoughts" surmise 

That can produce such sounds of bHss, 
I see thee first in paradise 

Surrounded by all happiness, 
And next I watch thy form descend 

And rest midway 'twixt heaven and earth. 
Where angels list for prayers, and blend 

Their voices with celestial mirth. 

Now rising as a spirit dove 

I see thee at the great white throne, 
While notes of pure unchanging love 

Resound and mingle with thine own; 
The mansions fair thou dost behold 

Where mortal footsteps never trod. 
Seraphic choirs with harps of gold 

That sing eternal praise to God. 

Then laden with such precious freight 

As never dwelt in "thoughts" before, 
Thou dost return to permeate 

The earth with perfume from thy store. 
The moonlit lake, the landscape view, 

The couch of suffering, faith and prayer. 
Young budding love and friendship true, 

But Hope's the strongest passion there! 
140 



If Hope can then create such strains, 

Oh visit her each day and hour, 
That we may seize the sweet refrains 

As fragrance from the choicest flower, 
And may the holy one inspire 

Thy soul with heavenly music fraught; 
Fulfill in life each pure desire 

And grant at death thy every "thought." 




141 




CUPID. 



HE young god of Love's complaining- 
That his how's untrue, 
And for one whose aim's unerring 
That will never do: 
So to keep alive the trade 
Tiny arrows he has made 
Which to every flower's conveyed 
By the sparkling dew. 

These missiles are effective 
As his former dart, 
And in each new floral favor 

We can feel them smart. 
Then to grasp Sir Cupid's power. 
Give your chosen one a flower. 
And from that propitious hour 
You may gain the heart. 



142 



THE NEW YEAR. 




iAIL! great Unknown! whate'er thy mission be, 
We look upon thee as a coming dream; 

Though all thy pages are a mystery 
The volume for the Author we esteem. 

The seedtime and the harvest thou shalt bring-. 
For these are promised by unfailing word: 

But none may know what good or ill shall spring, 
What notes of joy, what sounds of woe be heard. 

How wisely things are hidden from the sight, 
Lest man's great equipoise should be o'erthrown 

While grasping that which gives the most delight, 
Or trembling for the sorrow he may own. 

Launched in a sea he never sailed before, 
The skillful mariner will the more resort 

To chart and compass that direct him o'er 
The trackless ocean to his destined port. 

And on the borderland of days to come 

'Tis well to study an unerring guide. 
To take us safely to that better home 

Where love and bliss shall evermore abide. 

For this resolve anew, again begin 

The new born year as thou wouldst have it end: 
He that hath borne our sorrow and our sin 

Remains the same safe counselor and friend. 

143 



Faint not that former resolutions made 
Have failed to realize the heart's desire, 

Try, try again, and never be afraid 
To let the soul to noble deeds aspire. 



Nor let thy thoughts reflect upon the past, 
Save to improve and profit by its frown; 

When climbing up the high and giddy mast. 
The sailor must look up but seldom down. 

With head erect enter the narrow gate 
That guideth true believers on the way 

To where the heart, no longer desolate, 
Rejoiceth in the light of perfect day. 

Though we exist a century on earth. 

Supported by the christian's sturdy staff. 

And every day of life declare its worth, 

The first score years is still the longest half. 

The aged live in thought of days gone by, 

The young anticipating future bliss; 
Thus time is measured, best by grief or joy 

And subject to life's metamorphosis. 

But things of time all end; itself shall cease. 

When New Year days shall dawn for us no more; 

Hence, mankmd all should zealously increase 
Their preparations for the eternal shore. 

144 



There's something strangely sad — a solemn spell 
Creeps o'er the soul when those that love must part; 

As with the same soft breath we say "farewell," 
We welcome others gladly to the heart. 

A mother, dying as she brings to life 

Her only child, the mourning ones to cheer, 

Is fitting emblem of the bosom's strife. 

To leave the passing — hail the coming year. 

With all that's beautiful the earth surprise 

With wisdom, strength and true progressive grace, 

Excelling what our fondest hopes surmise; 
Come forth, beloved one, and take thy place. 

Raise up the portals of the glorious world! 

Let joy in all its holiest forms appear! 
Be all the banners of our love unfurled 

And welcome to our hearts the glad new 3'ear! 






145 



TO MR. AND MRS. DURWARD LELY. 

(Patti'5 Great Tenor.) 



'W 



HEN Lely's sing the " auld Scotch songs 

We turn with fond forget-me-not, 
To where the harp of memory hangs 

In some far distant cherished spot. 
The eyes are dimmed, but not with grief, 

The heart is glad, but not with joy ; 
The bosom, bursting for rehef, 

Is spellbound 'twixt a laugh and cry. 

Yet this is but the overture. 

The introduction to the play. 
The mesmerism to allure 

The subtle senses far away. 
We see no Lely, hear no voice. 

But some pure influence divine 
Compels the mind without a choice 

To live again the auld lang syne. 

More than mere words could ever speak, 

More than they ever sang before. 
From mother's love, to blushing cheek 

Of maiden in the days of yore: 
From peaceful glen to war's alarms, 

From foreign land returning home. 
From dreary scenes to brightest charms, 

Or earth's vast plain to heaven's dome. 

146 



Oh man, where lieth all the power 

By which we present ties forget, 
That makes within a little hour 

The friends long dead be living yet? 
It cannot be thy song alone 

That brings such vivid scenes to life,- 
The potent power behind the throne 

Must be in thy accomplished wife. 



Was it thy flute-like tones that gained 

The sweetest lady ever born, 
Or was her loveliness ordained 

To perfect sounds, that both adorn? 
Her fingers as they kiss the keys 

Create expression to the voice. 
Whose music, borne upon the breeze, 

Would make the barren rocks rejoice. 



Together, fan the sacred fire 

That burns without revealing light. 
And all our dearest thoughts inspire 

To chase the shadows born of night. 
God grant your lives may ever bloom 

Delightful as the flowers in spring, 
To permeate with rare perfume 

The souls of all that hear you sing. 



147 



Great minstrels, for each other made, 

Whose chords in imison impart 
Love's sweet enchanting serenade. 

That swiftly flies from heart to heart: 
Wi' bonnie gems frae o'er the sea. 

An' heather beauties a' yer ain, 
Anither lease o' life to gie, 

Oh "will 3'^e no come back again?" 



CONJECTURE. 



•iCOYTT'^' dearest Mary" 

^y P V^ So he wrote, 

Inditing to his wife a note 
Brim full of love and constancy 
And words no other eyes should see. 
Imagine then his great surprise. 
When, she indignantly replies : 
"Your dearest Mary" — Oh my heart; 
What visions those three words impart. 
Do other Mary's charm your sight, 
That I am dearest when you write? 
Or do you, in another sense. 
Just think me dearest in expense? 
If you would keep your wife a friend 
Your grammar, or your morals mend. 

148 



THE OLD WAY THE BEST. 




ES, it's only the old, old story, 

But told in a modernized way, 
Devoid of rhetorical glory 
Or any rhapsodic display. 
I don't live in visions of beauty, 

Or dwell in the light of thine eye,. 
Or feel, if rejected, my duty 

Will be just to lie down and die. 



Please pardon my prosaic greeting 

Whenever w^e meet or we part; 
I hate to be always repeating 

That you are the queen of my heart. 
If you'll wed, 'twill be my endeavor 

To climb hand in hand up life's hill. 
Together, I mean, for I never 

Would follow a woman's sweet will."^ 

With looks patronizingly smiling. 

He gazed at the maid by his side, 
Who inwardly seemed to be boiling 

With rage or with patience hard tried. 
"If you'll wed," she mimicked, like weighing; 

His words with another's she knew, 
" Yes, I'll wed — but pardon my saying, 

I'm sure, sir, it won't be with you." 



149 



IN MEMORY 



Of Lisle, Son of T. A. Bourke. 




ARLING little Lisle! 

We will miss thy cheerful smile, 

And the ever welcome patter of thy feet; 
And no more we'll hear thee say 
In thy quaint old fashioned way, 
"Ah, gi' long," then run to play 

Laughing sweet. 



Glad and joyous Lisle, 
Fond refresher after toil, 
All a father's pride and mother's dearest joy. 
They have felt thy last embrace. 
Full of 'cute and cunning grace. 
Oh! 'tis hard to fill the place 

• Of their boy. 



Pure, departed Lisle! 
Thou wilt never more beguile 
From sorrow, grief and care thy parents here, 
Rut their memory, I ween 
Will be kept forever green. 
Of their treasure here unseen — 

But more dear. 



150 



^^PPy» blessed Lisle! 
Free from every sin and guile, 
Thou hast left us for a better world than this; 
And the angels now above 
Are rejoicing in thy love, 
And thou never more shalt rove 

From their bliss. 

Farewell, earthly Lisle! 
In a very little while 
We will also tread the path that thou hast trod, 
And again we hope to greet 
The dear patter of thy feet, 
In the bright and golden street 

Of our Gcd. 




151 



HELP THE POOR. 



s 



EARCHER for the best enjoyment 

Health and wealth can ever bring, 
Doth thy conscience at its leisure 

Probe thee with a little sting? 
Hast thou something left unfinished 

That thy better thoughts allure 
To an undecided conflict? 

Try this duty — help the poor. 



Fellow sinner, art thou weary, 

Burdened with perplexing care. 
Vacillating almost daily 

Between pleasure and despair? 
Wouldst thou have one steady object 

That will peaceful rest secure? 
In proportion to thy blessings, 

Go to-day and help the poor. 



Traveler on the road to Zion, 

Dost thou halt upon the way. 
Wondering when beside its portals 

What the Holy One will say? 
Hast thou yet at times a feeling 

That salvation's insecure? 
Pause and ere thou soarest higher. 

Backward turn and help the poor. 

152 



Wouldst thou have sustaining comfort, 

Hope that's free from all alloy, 
Infinite to bless the finite 

With religion's sacred joy, 
Arjnor that from shafts protecting. 

Patience crosses to endure; 
Herein lies the open sesame, 

Try its virtue, help the poor. 

Oh the happiness of knowing 

Hearts and lips in grateful prayer. 
Render thanks for food and raiment 

Which in secrec}'^ we spare. 
Angels roimd the throne rejoicing 

Cannot have delight more pure, 
At a prodigal returning 

Than we have to help the poor. 



Well we know the loving Savior 

This as holy precept gave, 
One thing lackest thou in doing 

Thy immortal soul to save; 
Take the substance thou hast cherished 

With a miser's grasp impure, 
All thy land and all thou ownest 

Freely give to help the poor. 



(II) 153 



This, O Father, is the glory 

That so radiantly shines 
In Thy children, as their bosom 

Yieldeth grapes from sacred vines. 
We but lend Thee our donations, 

Make security more sure. 
When we follow Thy instruction. 

When we quickly help the p6or. 



M 



E had been fishing, and a string 
Of beauties home he brought, 

His wife espied him lingering 
Where he those fishes bougflit. 



*&' 



But prudently she praised her lord 
In terms would grace a sonnet: 

She angled well — and for reward 
Received a fine new bonnet. 



Though unsuccessful hubbies go 
To fish with rod and rye — hme. 

Their wives a flattering net can throw 
And land them every time. 



154 



LEAVING SPAIN. 



/^ ENTLE twilight, softly linger, 
^^ Let me on her beauty gaze, 
^ Till my heart joins with the singer 

One short j^arting hymn of praise; 
Till reflectively I listen 

To the pure Castilian strain. 
Watch the bright eyes brighter glisten, 
As sweet music's low refrain 
Wafts a fond farewell to Spain. 

Land enchantingly uniting 

All the charms of earth and sky, 
Ever pleasantly delighting 

Poet's mind and painter's eye; 
Rich as wine thy vineyards growing 

Streams the warm blood through each vein. 
Friendship's fountain freely flowing 

In thy zeal to entertain : 

Hosj^itable, generous Spain. 

Maids, the heart's best retrospection. 

Men of honor, faithful, true. 
Sunny home of sweet affection, 

Though we bid thee now adieu. 
Gems of thought, earth's richest treasure, 

Monarchs of the soul shall reign, 
As love's harp recalls the pleasure 

Dearest memories retain 

Of thy blessings, favored Spain. 

IS5 



LOVE. 



gyi^YSTERIOUS Love, so misapplied, 
^-j7y§ 1^ How strangely thou'rt identified ; 
c<^^Qy^^^ As blind yet see, as deaf yet hear, 

Or calm when raging storms appear: 
No barriers stem thy torrent's force. 
Nor human knowledge change thy course. 

Within thy universal home 
Unlicensed passions reckless roam, 
Drift with the tide and enter free 
The hearts of high and low degree. 
Treat with contempt stern law's demands- 
And burst all silk or £:olden bands. 



to 



Thy sacred name of hallowed bliss. 
Polluted often with a kiss 

And prostituted in the mire 

Of filthy lust and foul desire. 
Supplies the smooth deceiver's tongue 
Excuse for crime in old or young. 

The power of evil and of good 

Is very rarely understood; 

In rasfins: wars for weal or woe 
Where few distinguish friend from foe. 

How faintly men discriminate 

Between the fruits of love and hate. 



156 



Fanaticism cannot be 

The offspring of true charity, 

To gain an object some will lie — 
Deprave their souls — yea dare to die, 
And innocently as a dove 
Declare their vice was all for love. 



See yon inebriate's rude glare 

And ask him what he would not dare 

To give impurity relief, 

And plunge that lovely maid in grief: 
His flushing, not his blushing, face 
Will give his answer and disgrace. 



Love's holiest attributes that spread 
A virtuous halo round her head. 

By ruthless hands are shameless torn 
By villainy, as masks are worn 
To hide the blackest crimes of night. 
Beneath the holiest rays of light. 



And what is sexual love but joy 

Descending, pure of all alloy, 

, From the great King, mankind to bless 

As earnests of true happiness? 
The object cannot give the power, 
God lends the fragrance to the flower. 



157 



As grain is food until distilled 

To lakes of fire, whose breath is filled 
With all that evil can conjure 
To make the whitest soul impure; 

So love must cease if it begin 

Distilling chastity to sin. 

"Let there be light," God's first command 
For every clime in every land ; 

Nature inanimate obeys, 

Dispels the dark with glorious rays, 
Resounding echoes fill the air, 
Creation breathes instinctive j^rayer. 



But man the last commandment hears 
"Love one another," and appears 

To question what is really meant. 

And enters into argument 
Extending love's true boundary line, 
To suit the evils he'll design. 

No other language can convey 

What these three words so clearly say. 
No sermon mortal man can preach 
Could moral duty better teach: 

Love one another is the goal 

That leads to Christ and saves the soul. 



158 



Thus love to God and love to man 
Fulfills the great Redeemer's plan; 
But ah! let every heart beware 
The power of evil lurking there, 
The hostile forces still contend 
To rob the sinner of his Friend. 



Conflicting passions, Darkness, Light, 
Each morn renew their bitter fight. 
And conscience is the battle ground 
That tells upon which side we're found; 
For this the Savior teaching said : 
"Give us this day our daily bread." 



There's no midway 'tween right and wrong, 

To one or other we belonsr; 

If Love's to be our constant guide. 
The shafts of sin are turned aside; 

Yea e'en should human weakness yield. 

Love binds our wounds upon the field. 



Oh blessed love that can bestow 

Forgiveness to a bitter foe! 

Oh sweet embodiment of peace 
That combats but to make war cease. 

These great beatitudes of thine, 

Proclaim thine origin divine. 



159 



WHAT'S IN A NAME. 



a 



ROSE, admitting Shakespeare's claim, 

Would smell as sweet with any name, 

But it don't follow, by the by. 

That this to all things will apply. 

Eternal fitness often suits 

And gives to names their attributes. 

The Devil for an instant take 

And see what words that name will make: 

From Devil take away the D, 

And Evil you w^ill plainly see; 

Transpose the E, and it is Vile; 

Remove the V and look for He, 

Which visibly a Lie contains; 

Remove the E, and II remains. 

Lie, evil, oil, vile, lived, ill, 

And one more transformation still: 

Remove the I, there left to tell. 

My English friend says, "no'wt but Hell" (L). 



// O^F I was an Irishman, Paddy, I'd die, 
Ol By jumping right into the Tweed." 

" 'Tis a pity you wasn't thin, Sandy, me boy, 
For it's nothin' but drownin' ye need." 
1 60 



HEAD AND HEART. 



^^^^HE head rules the body, phrenologists say, 

4,|l^/ Or indicates how one's inclined, 

^^V While our bumps, like a key-board, their deft fingers play 

And our secret propensities find. 
In this you'll succeed, and in that you will fail 

With each j^assion performing its part; 
What they know from the head is so much "like a whale" 

That we'd rather depend on the heart: 



For the head and the heart are like husband and wife, 

Let us grant that the husband's the head. 
And directing the intricate journey of life 

Over paths that his forefathers tread: 
But then who directs him? nearly all will allow 

Every pulse in his being will start. 
When a hand fondly cherished is laid on his brow 

And a kiss on his lips from the heart. 



When a man loveth one of the opposite sex. 

His whole nature is changed right away, 
Though the bumps may be level, concave or convex, 

He is molded like soft wax or clay. 
Just a word, or a look, or a sigh from the breast, 

Makes the strength of a Samson depart. 
For 'tis wisely decreed by the One who knows best, 

That the head shall be led by the heart. 



i6i 



MIND HOW YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR. 




HILE sitting in the ballroom, we 

Take notes upon the sly 
Of all the charming ladies, as 

They waltz divinely by. 
Miss A looks bright and beautiful, 

Au fait and debonair; 
But, my companion whispers, 'tis 

The way she wears her hair. 



Miss B seems calm and motionless. 

As Pallas cut in stone; 
Miss C has got a far off look 

That's surely not her own; 
Miss D, Miss E, appear quite strange 

Yet make a pretty pair; 
For which they have to thank, I'm told, 

The way they wear their hair. 



Observe Miss F, and yes. Miss G. 

That's usually so sweet, 
They look the plainest girls to-night 

Of any that we meet. 
Miss H looks dark, who should be hailed 

The fairest of the fair, 
There's still one cause for all effects, 

" The way they wear their hair." 



162 



Oh ladies, this great paradox, 

Is past my finding out, 
But if 'tis true, then all of you 

Should know what you're about; 
To make your charms attractive, and 

To force men to declare, 
Midst all the countless things you do — 

Mind how you wear your hair. 



MISUNDERSTOOD. 



^(.^^ l70UR biscuits hot, remind me, dear, 
,.^/|/ Of caterpillars crawling by." 

^ "Indeed!" she said, "you smile and sneer 
At everything I do or try; 

You better bring your mother here " 

"Now don't commence to pout and cry 
You really have misunderstood. 
I only meant they are so good. 
That just whenever they appear. 
Both start to make the butter flv!" 



163 



INDIFFERENCE. 




I/OU remember well the brooklet 

Where the water cresses grew 
So abundant as to cover 

The fast current from the view, 
And how often we stood lauofhino- 

When we heard the sudden scream 
Of a playmate who had fallen 

In the deep, cool hidden stream. 



And you know how oft and vainly 

When we tried its course to turn, 
It would dash aside the barriers 

And our pun}- efforts spurn ; 
Till with powerful aid from others. 

And a mound of new made clay, 
We had forced the water backward 

Till it ran another wav. 



And when afterwards we wandered 

By the well remembered scene, 
We beheld the wild weeds growing 

Where the channel first had been, 
And the pool in search of outlets 

By so many pathways run 
That we scarcely could discern them 

Till again they joined in one. 



164 



Then together we united 

As we did in days of yore, 
But this time to cleanse the passage 

Where the brooklet ran before. 
Oh, how soon we were successful, 

And the water bounding free 
Seemed to laugh a joyful ripple 

As it danced toward the sea. 



Ah, that stream my life portraying. 

Which with love's untrammeled force 
Would for thee have flowed forever 

In its pure unsullied course; 
But indifferent to feeling 

Thou hast checked its free career 
Till the bosom's sweet emotions 

Driven backward, disappear. 

Little objects make a shadow. 

Stagnant pools, though clear, turn sour. 
Weeds of discord grow and flourish 

By some hidden evil power. 
Showers at zero, though the sun shine, 

Freeze as fast as they can fall, 
But indifference chills affection 

With a force exceedingr all. 



165 



If true joy is worth possessing 

And our hearts are leal and true, 
Is it weakness to acknowledge 

You love me, or I love you? 
Let us not our thoughts deceiving 

Drift from where we fain would roam, 
But the rivulet keep open 

That brings happiness to home. 

Wilt thou not, then, oh, my darling, 

Helj) the stone away to roll, 
And to clear away obstructions 

From the channel of the soul, 
Till the waters of affection 

Shall submerge the seeds of strife 
And the sport of happy childhood 

Be a lesson for our life. 




1 66 



91 



LEAVES. 



OW the autumn leaves are falling 

And the nights grow long and chill, 
Ripened grain and fruit seem calling, 

Come, your barn and storehouse fill. 
Nature lavishly bestowing 

Robes that spring and summer weave, 
And the trees so tired of growing 

All their sapless foliage leave. 

In the autumn of life's travel 

Shall we from God's sun and rain. 
Life's great mystery unravel, 

Ripe with fruit and golden grain. 
Or bereft of grace and beauty — 

That the Holy spirit grieves? 
Shall we void of love and duty 

Fall as useless as the leaves? 

Things of eartli have all an ending, 

But the gifts of heaven so free 
In the soul harmonious blending 

Live to all eternity ; 
And the treasures in the bosom 

Of the christian that believes 
Only change at death to blossom ; 

Not decay as autumn leaves. 



167 



ON THE DEATH OF A FRIEND. 




ND art thou gone, thy youth, thy beauty, all? 

Dost thou inhabit death's oblivious shade? 
Ah yes, and soon beneath the funeral pall 

And soon beneath the tomb wilt thou be laid. 



How still thy form that once so gracefully moved. 
The roses now from off thy cheek have fled; 

How mute the voice that all so fondly loved, 
How dull the ear to all who mourn thee dead. 



If grief could wake thee from the silent tomb. 

Or sorrow animate thy stifled brain, 
Or tears recall thy irrevocable doom. 

Soon, would'st thou join us in this world again. 

But, oh, alas, to grief how silent death; 

Though hundreds mourn and o'er thy corse may weep, 
T'hey cannot bring thee back thy valued breath. 

They cannot wake thee from thy last long sleep. 



i68 



How like the rose thy life on earth was passed 
That scatters perfume 'neath a summer's sun, 

But oh, thou fell'st beneath stern winter's blast. 
And Death the tyrant claimed thee for his own. 

Still like the rose, again to life thou'lt spring 
And bloom in heaven with unmolested joy, 

For grief can never harm nor Death can sting 
The rewarded happy inmates of the sky. 

Rest then in peace, thou moldering heap of clay, 
Though loved by all, the earth must claim her own: 

We all the debt of nature once must pay 

We live but here to wait our well known doom. 




(12) 



169 



LINES 

On Receiving a Painting of Lilac Blossoms from Mrs. A. G. Comstock. 




HARMING blossoms, let me trace 
From your unassuming grace, 
Treasures of the artist mind 
That has loveliness defined 
So enchantingly complete: 
Ye are so sweet. 

Resting cosily at ease, 
Nestling careless as-you-please, 
Yet arranged with magic skill 
That allures instinctive will 
To inhale the fragrance, meet 
For gems so sweet. 

Doth all beauty so deceive, 
Or possession make us grieve 
That no matter what our store 
Still we sigh for something more? 
Yet what better could we greet 
Than you so sweet. 

Ah! methinks the perfume lies 
In the love that bid you rise. 
And the drops of dew appear 
In each happv grateful tear 
Bursting from the soul's retreat 
Of one more sweet. 

170 



Mirrors of the mind's pure throne, 

Your perfections are her own; 

Which, may heaven preserve and bless. 
Give on earth true happiness. 

And beside the Savior's feet 
Rest, Oh! so sweet. 



TO MISS M. B. NEAL, 

With Present of Lace Curtains, on her Marriage with Mr. Will Pagot. 




CCEPT these curtains, charming May, 
On this your happy bridal day. 
From friends who hope that you will trace 
Appropriate emblems in the lace. 
The flowers and figures here you see, 
Are the result of unity. 
So be your lives harmonious joined 
To have one thought, one Will, one mind. 



171 



CHRISTMAS. 



Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.— Luke 2: 29. 

Sermon by Rev. T. Tallach, St. Andrews Church, 

Windsor, Ont., Dec. 23d, 1889. 




OW realizing all that seers foretold 
Since Israel's consolation I behold, 
Let now thy servant, Lord, depart in peace 
My sorrows end and holy joys increase. 

The greatest men have one great end in view 
To which their thoughts are ever firm and true, 
No obstacle prevents their busy brain 
Conceiving plans that object to attain. 

Columbus bent his mind upon the west 
And found this land in which we are so blest, 
Watts made the steam submissive to his power, 
And Havelock's triumph was his dying hour. 

Patience and virtue always find reward; 
As Simeon's eyes beheld the long sought Lord, 
So we some day can see Heaven's brightest gem 
Who came the humblest babe of Bethlehem. 



172 



Thus spake the minister last Sabbath morn 

Appropriate for the season Christ was born, 

And now the evening of the blessed day 

Melodious songs our blissful hearts portray; 

But mingling with our joy, o'er memory dawns 

The lowly manger and the crown of thorns 

O King of kings, thy precious gift of love 

Should tune our thoughts and all our actions move 

In humble adoration of thv name, 

To hail this day on which the Savior came. 

And make our one great object ever be 

To do thy will and render thanks to thee. 

But not confined to prayers and praise alone. 

Seek those with lives less favored than our own, 

And imitate the great example given 

To feed the poor with things of earth and heaven. 

Let us with money and with hearts unite 

To give to those in need a gift to-night, 

Relying on the ever truthful word 

That those who give are lending to the Lord; 

So will we reap the joys of good intent 

A Happy Christmas and a night well spent. 



The foregoing was read by Rev. John Gray at Christmas 
entertainment, 1889. 



173 



IN MEMORIAM. 



REV. T. TALLACH, OF DRESDEN, ONT. 



Lord, now lettest thoa thy Servant depart in peace.— Lake 2:29. Text of ser- 
mon delivered by him a few weeks before hit death. 



^TN^AWING near the end of time; 
l^J Deeply solemn and sublime 

Is the brief mysterious pause 'tween 

Life and death. 
As the darkening shadows lower 
We can feel an unseen power, 
And the boldest in that hour 
Hold their breath, 

At the fearful precipice, 

And the terrible abyss 

Bridged by Christ, to lead where living 

Waters flow ; 
There our faith we estimate. 
While the summons we await. 
And behold our future state 

Ere we go. 

Near the closing of the year. 
Near the close of thy career. 
Thus old Simeon's prayer became as 

'Twere thine own, 
And each deep prophetic word 
By the King of Kings was heard. 
And thy raptured soul transferred 

To his throne. 

174 



Oh, the blessedness of those 
Who with labor near a close, 
Confidently lay the well worn 

Harness down; 
Knowing that when life is flown. 
They will reap from good seed sown, 
And exchange the cross they've borne 

For a crown. 



In the autumn of thy years. 
Just as ripened fruit appears. 
It is sad to lose the tree so 

Richly fraught, 
But the Holy One ordains, 
And excessive grieving wanes, 
While there still with us remains 

Truths thou taught. 



As thy body rests in peace, 
May thy precepts never cease 
Leading others to the bright and 

Happy shore. 
And the sacred words be blest. 
Till upon the Savior's breast 
All shall find a peaceful rest 

Evermore. 



175 



MEMENTO OF SERMON 

BY REV. J. C. TOLHIE. 



The Parable of the Ten Virgins— Matt. 25: 1-13. 



C^T^HIS pai-able surpasses all in beauty, 
^Sy Its sweet simplicity portraying clear 

The loss or gain, by christian love or duty 
Of endings bright or drear. 

Though five were wise, they with the foolish slumbered, 
And none watched for the bridegroom they must meet; 
The church asleep is thus with sinners numbered 
As being indiscreet. 

They were not hypocrites, each foolish maiden 

As fondly hoped for entrance as the wise: 
By sad neglect alone they were not laden 
With all that "oil" implies. 

In charity, each other's burden bearing, 

Why did they not the precious oil divide? 
Because, with nothing else of love comparing, 
They could not, if they tried. 

The oil that constitutes the hallowed leaven ^ 

Is only given by the sinner's Friend; 
The key that opens wide the gate of heaven 
We may not give or lend. 

176 



Yet builtl not on a false imagination, 

That any time this oil's obtained by prayer 
The foolish perish by procrastination, 
The wise will not defer. 



To-day salvation's sweeter than to-morrow, 

There is no time can equal present bliss: 
One day shall bring eternal joy or sorrow, 
Why may it not be this? 



In vain shall man to holy wife be clingiiig, 

Or woman lean on husband or on son; 
They only with the oil, from Jesus bringing, 
Shall hear the blest " well done." 



We may inhale the perfume of the roses, 

And in their beauty spend the happy hours; 
But till the God of nature so disposes 
We never can be flowers. 



The bridegroom comes without a moment's warning. 

There is no time for doubting or delay; 
Oh shall He change our happiness to mourning, 
Or turn our night to day ? 

May all now hearken to the Savior pleading: 

"Come unto me and I will give you rest." 
Obtain the sacred oil that each is needinsr. 
And join the wise and blest. 

177 



PERSEVERANCE. 




HOUGH thou chidest me for boldness 

How can I true love disclaim, 
While thy beauty, e'en in coldness, 

Fans unconsciously the flame? 
Once to see thee is a blessing 

Years may cherish as a friend. 
But to love thee is possessing 

Treasure that can never end. 



Well I know thou art above me 

Far as good from bad's removed. 
Yet with hope I dare to love thee 

Though a thousand times reproved. 
Chilling words make many perish. 

Cold with heat may rarely blend 
But thy very scorn I cherish 

With a love that cannot end. 



Oft thy power my soul elating 

Leadeth me to dangerous ground, 
Hungry, patiently awaiting 

Crumbs thou scatterest around; 
These in memory every dwelling 

Beauty's banquets far transcend; 
Thy bright charms, so sweet excelling, 

Like my love, can never end. 



178 



Time with constant evolution 

Shall reveal, as future fate — 
This, the soul's true elocution; 

Silently I love and wait; 
Faithful with affection growing, 

Still to heaven my prayers ascend 
For thy welfare, hoping, knowing 

Love will triumph in the end. 



I. E. 



^^ ^T AY, Jack! I hear you are well learned 
^__/ And know in reading all you see. 
Pray, tell me now the meaning of 
These letters often seen — I. E." 

" That is," cried Jack, — resumed his pipe 
Pursued his studies seeming more; 

"Is what?" cried Jim, with listening ears 
"That is," says Jack, calm as before. 

" Is what?" cried Jim, with towering rage, 
" I thought you would oblige, but see — " 

"And so I have," cool Jack replies, 
"It is 'that is' that is I. E." 



179 



CUPID'S CAPRICB. 



C ORTGAGED hearts her own forecloses, 
While it quiescent reposes 
In a labyrinth of roses 

That is hard to penetrate. 
As with caution persevering 
To the goal, her beaux are nearing, 
Greater obstacles appearing 

Turn them backwards desolate. 

Yet another pathway trying, 
Hope inspiring some to flying, 
Far above a world of sighing 

To love's temple straightway steer: 
Boldly one, with wildness rushes, 
Flowers and thorns alike he crushes. 
Till her face with angry blushes 

Checks his wild and mad career. 

All that love suggests in daring. 
All that words could do declaring, 
Men have tried, until despairing 

They have vanquished left the race. 
Still her subtle charm allureth. 
For as long as life endureth 
Beauty unassigned secureth 

Willing captives to its grace. 



180 



But her reign is transitory; 
All her fascinating glory 
Gives material for a story 

Many dreaded to surmise. 
Like a spoiled and foolish daughter, 
Or a fish that leaps from water, 
One has gained, that never sought her 

Or deserved so rich a prize. 

Strange, to turn without reflection, 
From the purest of affection, 
To a little interjection 

Of a man she scarcely knew: 
Cupid's caprice may seem witty. 
But it changes love to pity. 
When from one so sweet and pretty 

Hearts are forced to bid adieu. 




1^1 



SOUR GRAPES. 



a 



BEWITCHING little maid, 
Who some lovers to evade, 
Sat in contemplative study 

'Neath a charming shady tree. 
One she loved was drawing near. 
Soothing every trembling fear, 
Sweeter than the fragrant blossoms 

By the smooth Carribean sea. 



Her stern parent, to obtain 

Merely mercenary gain. 

Had decreed that she must marry 

An old noble the next day; 
But the witty girl began, 
And matured a well-laid plan 
To secure her favored lover 

And rehearse this little play. 

Hark, a voice in pleading tone. 
Sings, "Beloved, be mine own, 
And together let us wander 

Far across the ocean wide." 
But the maiden said, "Not so, 
Take this ring and quickly go: 
Who restores that gem to-morrow 

He shall claim me for his bride." 

182 



Swiftly homeward did she fly 

To her father, with a cry, 

That her mother's ring was missing 

Which would ruin all her life: 
With apparent grief, sobbed she, 
"Find and bring my ring to me, 
By my honor he who finds it 

I shall surely be his wife." 

Hundreds searched, of course in vain. 

But the happy favored swain 

Brought the ring and claimed the promise 

Which was honorably paid; 
While the others said, unkind, 
" Those who hide know where to find. 
We would rather go unmarried 

Than be trapped by any maid." 



183 



TWO JOLLY FRIEMDS. 




wo jolly friends, in happy vein, 

That made the most of life, 
Had sat for hours upon a train 

Beside each other's wife; 
But entering a tunnel dark. 

As previously arranged, 
They stealthily, w^ithout remark. 

Their places soon exchanged. 

Then quicker than the cars could run 

The tunnel's long abyss. 
Each grasped his own wife just for fun, 

And snatched a hasty kiss. 
One lady screamed with all her might; 

The other simply sighed 
And kept quite still, but which did right 

I leave you to decide. 



184 



RAILWAY FLOWERS. 




HROUGH the tunnel of the mountain, 

Over river, hill and plain. 
Darting past the silvery fountain 

Fast as flying clouds of rain; 
Onward steady, ever rushing 

To some distant far off end, 
Leaving on the wayside blushing. 

What we pray for to descend. 



Little flowers along the railway 

Decked in robes of every hue. 
That we seldom think to hail, yea 

Pass unnoticed to the view; 
If, transplanted, ye were growing 

In some cultivated soil. 
Oh what hearts would now be glowing 

At the meaning of your smile. 



In the race of love and duty 

Do we not pass listless by 
Gems of purest grace and beauty 

That are let regardless lie? 
If mankind but knew the treasure 

That they trample 'neath their feet, 
Life would be a round of pleasure, 

Death a welcome friend to greet. 

(13) 185 



THE LADDER OF LOVE. 




IHEN first I beheld thee, my heart took a flight 

Far away to the regions above; 
'Where thy charms filled my soul with purest delight 
While incensing the ocean of love; 
For I dwelt in the clouds of desire alone, 

And I sighed for affection in vain. 
Existing on thoughts that were only mine own, 
They returned to the cold earth again. 

But waiting and loving as truly, yea more. 

With a calmness surpassing surprise, 
I beheld what had never been noticed before. 

An encouraging look in thine eyes. 
Then I dreamt of a ladder, like Jacob's of old, 

That was hung from the sky to the ground, 
And thy angelic smile made me feel so bold 

That I ventured upon the first round. 

Gazing up and then down, now dreading to climb 

To delusions that falsely inspire. 
Thy beautiful face beaming more than sublime 

Led me cautiously higher and higher. 
Then you gave me your hand, while a sweet little flower 

You had kissed was held over my head. 
And together we rose by invisible power 

To the place where my first love had sped. 



1 86 



But the scene was so changed and pleasant to view, 

That I woke from a prospect so fair 
To learn from a dream when affection is true, 

It may suffer, but need not despair. 
Not all from the ark that so hastily fly 

Can return with a leaf like the dove, 
But fewer will fail if they patiently try 

To ascend b}- the ladder of love. 




187 



THE HEART IS EVER YOUNG. 




HE heart is ever young; old Time, 

Who wrinkles brows and silvers hair, 
The bosom's mountain cannot climb 

To leave an aged impression there. 
We may regret, be sad or frail, 

But to the music of some tongue, 
When hope unfurls her flowing sail. 

The heart is young — is ever young. 

As billows bound, streams constant flow. 

And sun and moon, or planets shine; 
As tender tales of long ago 

Are treasured up in memory's shrine; 
As perfect instruments we tune, 

The soul's responsive chords are strung; 
When barriers from its joys are hewn 

The heart is young — is ever young. 

A few prized words — a gentle smile — 

The revelations of the eyes — 
From sickness, care or age beguile. 

And blissful thoughts spontaneous rise. 
To list again the minstrel's lay 

That centuries have sweetly sung, 
With love and chivalry, display 

The heart is young — is ever young. 



1 88 



Sing not to me what some would do 

Possessing youth's bright diadem; 
The holiest feelings we renew, 

The casket fades, but not the gem. 
Love is enriched by age, like wine, 

And in the soul's pure censer swung, 
Proves with its incense so divine, 

The heart is young — is ever young. 




189 



FORGET THE PAST. 




ORGET the past! The clouds may lower 

Till earth seem dark and drear, 
Yet beaming rays the sun will pour 

And all creation cheer. 
How oft, alas! do hearts decay, 

When pondering in the breast 
Words, which forgot would pass away 

And all be bright and blest. 



Forget the past! The summer flowers 

Still fresh with fragrance bloom, 
Though winter oft in chilling hours 

Hath ravished their perfume. 
Let not past deeds the bosom sting 

With deep remorseful pain, 
But oh! forget the past, and cling 

To hope and bliss again. 

Forget the past! Except when peace 

And good thoughts fill the mind; 
That make true happiness increase 

And friendship firmer bind. 
The precepts that are sweetly pure, 

For ever more hold fast. 
Do all things well, make love secure. 

Then, don't forget the past. 



IQO 



9 • 



SONG. 



^^\ Q jE think not of distance or seas that divide, 
J^/\/ We care not for pain as the billows we ride, 

We heed not the dangers that lie on our way, 
For hope is our anchor. Though leaving behind 
Fond scenes that are blest with remembrances kind — 
We dash them aside, and each long, anxious day 
Look westward at morning, at noon and at night, 
And fancy anticipates purest delight 
As the fair land of promise gladdens the sight. 

Bright thought of our life that induced us to roam 

To this thrice happy shore — the stranger's sweet home. 

Where all are as free as the sunbeams in ^lay; 

Yet ever we'll thmk of the days that are past 

When struggling with penury's bitterest blast. 

The wolf at our doorstep that would not away. 

But here all united as brothers we stand. 

Obeying love's message and heaven's command 

On Columbia's cheerful and ever blessed strand. 



IQI 



• • 



HE WEARS. 



// V^^HE best is the cheapest," we often hear said 
\^^ When selecting the goods we require, 

And the world so expressively shakes its head 

At the thing that it does not desire; 
But choice is so varied, regardless of price. 

That the merchant quite frequent declares 
" The foolish look only for something that's nice 
But the knowing ones something that wears." 

The same may be said, in a general way, 

When selecting companions for life: 
Looks frequently lead the best judgment astray 

When a man is in search of a wife. 
It's all very well to have talents and grace, 

And the needful to better our fares. 
But nothing in wealth or a beautiful face 

Can compare with the woman that wears. 

Don't trust to appearance when choosing a friend. 

But investigate right to the heart; 
If truthful and honest, hold on to the end. 

For such qualities rarely depart. 
There is such a one who is always on call 

To relieve and to carry our cares. 
The Friend of the righteous, the sinner and all, 

Is the best to obtain, and He wears. 



192 



THINK NO MORE OF HER. 



O^HINK no more of her I love! 
^^ Go tell the orb of day 

To stop his rays and shine no more, 

And see if he'll obey. 
Go tell the birds no more to sing, 

The moon to light the grove. 
Forbid the lovely flow^ers to spring. 
Then tell me not to love! 

Think no more of her whose smile 

Pours gladness in my breast, 
Whose image haunts me night and day 

And makes me more than blest! 
Go stop the lightning in its course, 

Forbid the winds to roar. 
And when they all obey thy voice, 

Then bid me love no more! 



'93 



s 



WAIT. 



EEK not to learn what I conceal 

And cherish in my heart, 
Lest mine own sorrow may reveal 

A cause for us to part. 
Thy tender words my soul explore 

And make me this confess: 
That while I may not love thee more, 

I would not love thee less. 

Then let hope's star that seemeth far 
Thy constancy draw near, 

No more entice, let this suffice; 
To me thou'rt ever dear. 



Forbear, but calmly linger yet. 

Perhaps another day 
May kindly help us to forget 

Or bring a warmer ray. 
We know^ that heaven is sweet and bright, 

Yet trustfully we wait 
For Love to open with delight 

The everlasting gate. 



Thy faith thus prove, and let thy love, 

Continuing sincere, 
With patience wait our destined fate. 

And Hope shall banish fear. 

194 



societaRy, 




OMNIA PRO CARITATE. (red cross motto.) 




MNIA PRO CARITATE. This our motto and our aim, 
Is to practice what we promise in its pure and holy name; 
To be bound in happy union, to relieve each other's care. 
And the sunshine and the shadow of life's changing lot to share. 



Omnia Pro Caritate. Are you hungry? Come and eat; 
We will never see our loved ones want for raiment or for meat. 
Are you sick? Then we will nurse you: Are you weary ?Come and rest: 
Or, if downcast, we will cheer you and pour gladness in your breast. 

Omnia Pro Caritate. Come, the worthy, good and true, 
And what we have for each other, we w^ill gladly share with you — 
When you join the Red Cross order, and espouse the noble cause — 
For, to do as we'd be done by, is the nucleus of our laws. 



Omnia Pro Caritate. When our course through life is run, 
There are thousands who will carry on the work that we've begun. 
And our dear ones be protected, and our bread on waters cast, 
Yield the choicest fruit, in blessings which return to us at last. 



Omnia Pro Caritate. As a bright, fraternal band, 
We would proudly wave our banner over all this glorious land. 
Omnia Pro Caritate. Dearest grace to mortal given, 
'Tis the substance of our Order, and a stepping-stone to heaven. 

ig6 



ERE WE PART. 



RE we part in this fair Island grove, 

Let us join in a tribute of sonsr. 
To our great high Commander above, 

Who has favored and blessed us so long; 
God of heaven, — Thee we praise, 

For our principles. Faith, Hope and Love. 
God of heaven, — Thee we praise, 

For our principles, Faith, Hope and Love. 



'Tis Thy precepts that make us unite. 

All our joys and our sorrows to share. 
And we feel that our union is right. 

While the Cross of each other we bear-; 
And we trust, — in Thy aid. 

Freely given in answer to prayer; 
And we trust, — in Thy aid, 

Freely given in answer to prayer. 

Though we meet on this Isle never more, 

May we ever remember the day, 
'Till we meet when life's journey is o'er. 

At the Savior's secure Put-in-Bay. 
Guide us. Lord, — safely home. 

All to " meet on that beautiful shore; 
In the sweet by and by. 

All to meet on that beautiful shore." 



197 



RED CROSS SONG. 



(Air— Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch.) 



'SIV 



HERE the Red Cross banner's streaming 
Wisdom's Star is brightly beaming, 
Thoughts divine all hearts incline 
To noble deeds — distress redeeming. 



■&• 



Shall worthy ones to us apply 

And vainly seek for aid? — no, never! 

On sacred pledges we rely — 

The many help the few forever. 
Where the Red Cross, etc. 

Delightful music to the ear 

For love — yes — "All for love" combining 
To give desponding ones good cheer — 

Obeying laws of heaven's designing. 
Where the Red Cross, etc. 

When leaving earth and friends most dear, 
With sweeter 7iotes than come from Patti, 

Still may we this blest summons hear — 
" Come," Omnia pro Caritate. 
Where the Red Cross, etc. 



198 



TO MRS. GEO. WILLIAMSON, 



First Lady Hember of the Order of Red Cross. 




ISTER, we bid thee welcome to unite 
J Your lot with ours in solemn pledge this night, 
^To bear each other's burdens, and fulfil 
His laws, who could the raging tempest still, 
The water turn to wine— the hills remove 
By power from a triunity of Love. 
So we by unity of heart and mind, 
Can soothe the troubles that afflict our kind. 
Mourn with the mourner, and the weak sustain, 
And share, when we cannot relieve their pain. 
Greater than Faith or Hope, our Motto see, 
Is, All for Love— is, All for Charity! 
No purer motive can direct our ways. 
Impel our lives to deeds of worthier praise, 
Than casting bread on waters from our view. 
And doing as we would be done unto. 
This, then, our aim, before your presence here. 
Shall it be less with you to help and cheer? 
Ah! no, we feel that with your valued aid. 
The Red Cross now in bridal robes arraved. 



199 



Her lamps, new trimmed, burn bright as midday sun: 

Her wisest legislation has begun. 

Not all can think alike — but such our view; 

And feeling thus, we therefore welcome you, 

And hail this law from which we comprehend 

A great beginning that will never end. 

Let us be frank and tell you, some will say, 

You cannot keep the secrets we convey. 

Unworthy thought! a blot on history's page, 

And too absurd for this enlightened age; 

We trust you with our heart, our home, our life, 

And he who cannot should not have a wife. 

Then why should doubts for smaller things arise? 

Will you seize blanks, and throw away the prize? 

Not likely, and less likely to reveal 

What you sincerely promise to conceal. 

'Tis well established since the world began, 

That woman is as trustworthy as man; 

Her secrets safe. In anger, perhaps, alone — 

She may hint ours — but never tells her own; 

Here ours are hers, and therefore quite secure 

As lonsr as life or reason shall endure. 



200 



Some murmuring say the risk is more than men ; 

Oh! selfishness declared! And yet again, 

A thought as much in error as before, — 

Man's occupation makes his risk much more, 

Nor that alone — his own immoral ways 

Have shortened many a man one-half his days: 

The risk is less, but were it even true. 

That it were more — still would we welcome you, 

Still hold to you the hands we now extend 

In greeting to our sister and our friend; 

And feel such honor w^ith you by our side, 

That our frail language never can describe. 

While we march onward in our noble cause 

Helping each other — God's — and Red Cross laws. 

Together join harmonious as a song — 

Conserving right — reforming all the wrong. 

Your aid will cheer our work, and Heaven will bless 

Our great united efforts with success. 

We hail you then again, with three times three, 

Again assure you you will ever be, 

Whate'er your lot, wherever you may roam. 

Welcome to Home Commanderv as to home. 



(14) 201 



DETROIT WEDNESDAY HISTORY CLASS. 



<^V^ OME, with all thy glorious history, 
0]ri|/ We must bid thee now farewell; 
QJ(y^ Each to solve the hidden mystery 
That the future has to tell. 
Parting fills our heart with grieving, 

Not so much for love of Rome, 
As for dear ones we are leaving 
In our own beloved home. 



Manv problems we've unraveled. 

With our charming Huyett's aid, 
While together we have traveled 

History's sunshine and its shade. 
We have learned from many a story. 

Lessons that will live for aye: 
That the earth and all its glory 

Shall in season pass away; 



That the histories of nations 

Pass before us like a dream. 
Illustrating life's donations 

To the great eternal stream. 
And in time, so fast and fleeting 

Though to noblest themes we soar. 
We are only just repeating 

What the world has done before. 



202 



Yet how gladly did we ponder 

O'er some hero's noble deeds, 
Or with faith, in safety wander 

Through a labyrinth of creeds; 
Till impressed with every feelino- 

That could elevate mankind, 
Heaven a brilliant light revealing. 

Made the darkness fall behind. 



Many part, and oh ! how often 

Part to never meet again: 
Yet the heart will melt and soften 

Over memories that remain: 
Then may all our happy unions 

Be directed from above, 
And our pure and sweet communions 

Make a Historv of Love. 




203 



TO THE 



HIGHLAND ASSOCIATION 



OF ILLINOIS, 




OAIL! this grand association, that enfolds unto its breast 
And provides for worthy countrymen, a refuge and a rest- 
A home for weary wanderers, elysium's safe retreat, 
Where strangers and companions on a social level meet. 
Not a thought to mar its harmony, not one dissenting voice 
To prevent its many members at reunions to rejoice. 
Or to change a sea of trouble to a calm enchanted spot, 
Where the trials and the sorrows of the world are all forgot. 
Here a ray of blissful sunshine makes the clouds of life depart, 
And the milk of human kindness feeds and nourishes the heart. 
Permeating our whole being with exhilarating breath, 
And creating precious memories that stay with us till death. 



204 



Pipers, sound the pibroch, loudly! As the happy time returns 
To honor Scotland's gifted son — the immortal poet, Burns — 
Make every blast a countless throng to see our loved ones bring 
When the nations are assembling and the "Clans are oratherinsr" 
Sweet as lilies and moss roses — pure as dew^s from heaven distilled- 
While our bosoms with enrapturing and tranquil joys are filled 
By these matrons of the future, these, the hope of days to come, 
Making pleasure at our meetings, and true happiness at home; 
Aiding with magnetic influence, and such free bewitching grace. 
That this great association now, like continents, embrace 
Sturdy yoemen, skilled mechanics, men inured to honest toil. 
Men of every learned profession, mustering in rank and file. 

Men to trust as worthy counselors, men of noblest birth and fame. 
Crowning with historic laurels and embellishing our name. 
On the roll of members — authors, statesmen, orators, are seen; 
And upon our roll of honor is the Earl of Aberdeen, 
With his ever charming countess 

And sweet Lady Marjorie, 
Thy loveliness and winning ways won every heart to thee! 
And soon beside Lake Michigan, though millions may be there, 
Chicago will proclaim thee ^zieen, and fairest of the Fair. 



205 



With such patrons and such members, that a king might boast to own — 
Men and women that bring glory to a nation or a throne; 
Meeting with a hearty handshake, parting with unuttered prayer, 
Doing as they would be done by, spreading comfort everywhere; 
Building up bright days for dull ones with an architect divine. 
Making charity the corner stone of every design — 
Who can marvel that they prosper, and know no such word a.^J'ear 
Of success to build mementos of a name that all revere; 
A Burns Memorial Hospital, beneath their magic wand, 
Will meet with "well done" plaudits from the good of every land. 
And the funds will be forthcoming, as rich privileges given — 
Blessing, honoring the donors — from, and leading unto heaven. 



Freely ask for contributions then from over sea and lake 

For the most immortal monument that mortal man can make — 

With consolidated purpose all your eftorts concentrate 

To erect an institution worthy of yo?i and the state. 

And in the pleasant days to come, when an astonished world 

In this progressive wonderland their banners have unfurled, 

May our Association to a welcome people prove 

That works of art can be excelled by works of Christian love. 



206 



TO THE ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED 

WORKMEN AND DETROIT 

LODGE No. 6. 




^ REAT pioneer of mutual love and aid, 

When first thy precious promises were made, 
The sceptic laughed thy noble scheme to scorn 
And ridiculed thee as of madness born. 
Prophetic scoffers never ceased to rave 
That in thy cradle thou shouldst find a o-rave. 
But he who had conceived and made the plan 
Of man's relief to be his fellow man, 
Stood by the helm his gallant ship to steer. 
Direct the crew and banish every fear. 

As One who near the coast of Galilee 
Rebuked the waves and walked upon the sea, 
Restoring confidence to trembling men, 
Implanting in their souls strong faith again. 
So Father Upchurch led his little crew 
From stormy winds to where mild zephyrs blew: 
Thus weeks and months and years rolled dimly on. 
Till swaddling clothes and infancy had gone, 
Then robust youth grown larger than his years, 
And manhood in its noblest form appears. 

207 



Where now the scoffers? Let them backward gaze 

Upon thy work in all its varied ways, 

The lessons learned, the souls that now rejoice 

With victory of virtue over vice. 

The couch of suffering, the substantial prayer 

That gives, not asks from God, help they can spare, 

The social hours enjoyed by prudent rules 

That turns the lodge room into pleasant schools, 

The young men trained to honorable ends, 

The old men adding to their wisdom, friends. 



Protection stops not when departed breath. 
Enfolds a member in the arms of death, 
Two thousand dollars is not all that's paid, 
When in the grave a brother has been laid: 
The widow is a sister to respect. 
The fatherless are loved ones to protect. 
These all are succored, as thy cheerful ray 
Of sunshine drives the dismal clouds away 
To make homes happy that would otherwise 
Be dens of woe and all that want implies. 



208 



But if direct thy works resplendent shine 

Then indirect what attributes are thine? 

Since Father Upchurch's babe of sterling worth 

How many others have been given birth? 

Societies by thousands now abound 

And all have trod A. O. U. W. ground 

But with true magnanimity of soul 

Thou bid'st Godspeed and welcome to the whole 

Whose mission's to the golden rule confined, 

Whose object is protection to mankind. 



Yet all their mighty deeds reflect on thee 

As the big brother of the family, 

To fight their battles and their footsteps guide, 

To turn the shafts of enemies aside, 

To suck the venom of the " old line " sting: 

And shelter all 'neath thy protecting wing. 

The many streams that now meandering rove 

Give tribute to the ocean of thv love, 

While all in modesty thy power concede 

And hail thee as a friend in time of need. 



20Q 



Of thy large progeny thy greatest star 

Beloved near and marveled at afar, 

Detroit Lodge number six, with flag unfurled, 

Outrivals all and challengres the world. 

An army in itself and thousands strong 

That moves harmonious as selected song-, 

A living monument of perfect aid, 

A model of fraternity displayed. 

That graceful tribute gives, with rising fame, 

To venerate old Father Upchurch's name. 



But not that patriarchal name alone, 
Some scores of others favorablv known, 
That have extended thy protective rays 
Deservedly receive their meed of praise; 
Thus Warne Wilson in thy charter wove, 
As orator and champion of thy love; 
Far as thy power and usefulness extend 
Receiveth honor as a bosom friend; 
Nor to a local lodge or State confined, 
The world has not a boundarv for his mind. 



210 



The great, the only Geiger shall be hailed 

As wonderful! whose word has never failed. 

How vividly he brings again to view 

Scott's noted Chief, the famous Roderick Dhu, 

One blast upon his horn, o'er hill or glen, 

Was worth, at any time, a thousand men; 

So, with strategic or magnetic shock 

Great Geiger speaks, and in new members flock. 

Thus many noble men we yet could name 

Whose efforts have established thv fame. 



Hail, Emperor of all societies, 

Thou worthy giant of fraternities. 

The world can never know all thou hast done, 

Dispelling grief, or combats thou hast won. 

Long may thy dear protecting banner wave 

Above the sod of every member's grave, 

May God, whose laws forever guide thine own. 

Bring every brother to the great white throne, 

May grace and peace on earth be freely given. 

To every member love, and rest in heaven. 



21 I 



ST. ANDREWS YOUNG PEOPLE. 




^ 



OVV winter, evenings close, new joys appear 
At this exhilarating time of year, 
And buoyant hearts look forward to the day 
When flowers shall bloom in beautiful array, 
When trees shall bud, and birds delightful sing 
To herald in the advent of the spring: 
When pleasures shall on every side abound 
And all the air with music sweet resound; 
But in the midst of happiness we find 
Affection casts its dearest thoughts behind, 
As brides departing from the parent home 
To new born bliss, — wherever they may roam 
Their minds revert to pleasures that are past 
And take impressions that forever last. 

So we, upon the sands of hope's bright shore, 

Anticipating happy days in store. 

While memory makes the pastimes we have known 

As though choice flowers around our feet were strewn. 

Whose rare perfume we never fully knew, 

Till for a season now, we say adieu! 



2i: 



There's something sad in parting, — even when 

We feel assured that all will meet again. 

Our thoughts look back to many a pleasing theme 

That listless ears have heard, as in a dream, 

Till musing on we see with glad surprise 

A visionary panorama rise 

Of mountains, dells, peninsulas and straits 

Of lectures, essays, poems and debates, 

Histories, mysteries, puzzling problems solved, 

With all the 'ologies that are involved 

In science and the labyrinths of lore 

That wise philosophers have studied o'er. 

Music and charming song delight the ear. 

And such a host of pleasantries appear 

That we, amazed, in admiration stand 

At the great knowledge of this social band, 

Whose intellectual feasts like seeds will spring 

And to the young resplendent harvests bring. 



Doubtless in future years our hopeful boys 
(Oft innocently blamed for all the noise) 
Will yet be heard in legislative halls 
Wherever patriotic duty calls — 
As noble statesmen, eloquent, sedate 
Or learned professors equally as great; 
And so our girls, with intercourse so good 
Will bloom as gems of perfect womanhood, 
And each the origin of greatness trace 
To social, happy meetings in this place. 



213 



The aged also pass sweet moments here 

To share a laugh, or shed, unseen, a tear 

Not born of grief, — or aught that we can state, 

The cause we will not dare to penetrate 

For when emotion's silent dewdrops shine 

The thoughts are bordering on things divine. 

We are indebted, then, both young and aged, 

To those who have been worthily engaged 

Procuring talent such as we have seen 

To make these meetings all that they have been. 

To the fair secretary much we owe, 

And the result of all her efforts show 

'Tis wise to keep such J^ilies in the field. 

For when the Campbells come — we needs must yield. 

To ladies who have charmed us with sweet song 

The names of Sutherland and Gow belong; 

Montgomery, Cundiff, Thompson and perhaps more 

Which, while enchanted, we forgot to score; 

While Misses Grahams, Williamsons and Gray 

Piano music most delightful play, 

The w^elcome reading of Miss Gracie Jones, 

Joined with the melody and silvery tones 

Of Mesdames Campbell, Bartlet, Butterworth 

In essays, gave us knowledge, interest, mirth. 

Four ladies here deserve repeated mention — 
Miss Gray, the Misses Bartlet and Miss Thompson, 
Who, with much cheerfulness and pleasing grace. 
Have often filled some absent fair one's place. 

214 



Our president — branch of a stalwart tree 

Has swayed his scepter most effectually, 

And choicest fruit springs from the honored chair, 

Good sequels of the Noble Bartlet pair. 

It seems quite paradoxical to say. 

Not wishing age, we like to be near Gray, 

With Campbells, Pattersons and Flemings near. 

And never weary listening to Weir, 

While Watson Wigles either Goult or Black, 

A Bushel of good things we never lack 

For we have one who always brings success, 

And all the managers when in distress 

Call in McDonald, who is aye on deck. 

To trim the sails and guard the ship from wreck. 



We have another aid which all admire. 

Our ever ready and obliging choir. 

Sacred or secular 'tis all the same, 

Each piece but adds fresh laurels to their fame, 

But they excel when singing one sweet line. 

Which reads, "For love I sigh, for love I pine." 

The dear expression strikes right to the core. 

And takes us back some thirty years or more 

When we have sighed and pined and pined and sighed, 

And all the stages of the passion tried 

For some one far away or by our side. 

Such teazing, pleasing and bewitching pain, 

We'd like the feeling always to remain 

And know 'tis better, be it ere so small. 

To love and lose, than not to love at all. 



215 



Some time ago, our young men failed to show 
That marriage was a faihire, as you know, 
Their own bright thoughts on matrimony bent 
Arose indignant at the base intent, 
Which left them scarce an argument to rest on. 
And caused them wisely to avoid the question, 
Or, let the subject lie upon the table 
Till they consider subjects in the cradle. 



Pure wedlock has no better advocate 

Than he who would its secrets penetrate, 

For when man seriously begins to think, 

He voluntary stands upon the brink 

Of a great prominence and his views expand 

Till he beholds the beauties of a land 

He never saw before. For some one's sake 

He sighs, and thinks the drug's not bad to take, 

And hurries on as rapid as he can 

To state his case to Windsor's grand old man ; 

Then counts his hours of bondage till released. 

And our good pastor's bank account's increased. 

The moral is to wed ere you bewail or 

Try to prove that marriage is a failure. 



Those who are dwelling in a smiling land 
With health and wealth abundant to command 
Know nothing of a semi-barren soil 
Whose scanty produce gives the greatest toil. 
Men must be weary to enjoy their bed 
And hungry to appreciate good bread, 

216 



And, short of money, o'er the country roam 
Before they feel the blessedness of home; 
And see the maids of many a beauteous land 
Ere they will know or rightly understand 
That in this very center of our mirth. 
Fair Windsor has the sweetest girls on earth, 
Whose loveliness of form and face declare 
That nature never made a failure there. 



And this, all those who travel, know is true 
No wonder Uncle Sam comes here to woo. 



Our pastor purposes to cross the sea 

To taste dear Scotia's hospitality, 

We'd like to watch his beaming face look 'roun 

"Within a mile o' Edinboro toun," 

Or as in pensive retrospective mood 

He enters into ancient Holyrood, 

Or when to auld Dumfries he southward turns 

Beside the resting place of Robert Burns, 

Or Ecclefechan's ever honored soil. 

The humble birthplace of the great Carlyle. 

Or by Lochmabeu Castle musing stray, 

Where Robert Bruce first saw the light of day, 

Whose lochs, waves without winds, fish without fins, 

And islands floating as huge terrapins, 

Awaken strange and weird imaginings. 

To view the land where Knox was born and bred 

Will knock some new ideas in his head; 

True he has now a very goodly store 

But every well-filled mind has room for more, 

(15) 217 



And when, on his return, we meet together. 
Expect bright lectures garnished round with heatlier. 

Our liandsome town grows finer every day, 
Now those who visit oft decide to stay, 
Detroit's electric lights add to its beauty, 
Which, by the way, we import free of duty; 
Contrary to what many think not right, 
Because the tariff should be always light; 
Not being so makes many a mind perplexed. 
We do not advocate to be annexed 
But, in the future, do not think it strange 
The customs — or the costumes have to change. 

One true coincidence we plainly see 
That Windsor dates its great prosperity 
From this Society's inauguration. 
And has improved with every convocation. 

Long may both prosper then and when we part 
With rich mementos clinging round the heart, 
May all like bees disperse to summer bowers 
And srather honey from selected flowers. 
Then in the fall each favored one contrive 
To come back laden to the social hive. 

While in the closing exei-cise to-night 
May every heart with gratitude unite, 
To the great author of all happiness. 
And every tongue in secret prayer express 
This, while the curtain falls upon the scene, 
God bless our home, our country, and our queen. 

218 



INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. 



In our dear Forest home, we have pleasures our own, 

Neath the ravs of Benevolent ligfht, 

Down the pure, cr\'stal stream, by our pastures so green. 

Enjoying the truth and the right. 

Perhaps our outskirts are rough, but our woodwards are tough, 

Enduring and willing to gfuide 

Noble men past the Fort to our Chief Ranger's Court 

Down the valley of Concord — our pride — 

Emblematical we, of brave TelVs liberty. 

Not a serf in our forest can roam — 

True brothers combined to do good to mankind, 

Or provide for our loved ones a home. 
Recurrent we part with fresh love in our heart, 
Devoutly espousing our cause. 
Enroll then your name in the page of true fame. 
Renowned bv its precepts and laws. 

Oh! we kindly invite all the pure and upright, 
From the wide world our blessings to share. 

For our great " Robin Hood" to the merry greenwood 

On the altar will welcome you there; 

Reinforce then our host, and the ones you love most 

Enter into fraternity's fold, 

Securelv from want or an unfeeling taunt 

That is bitter as hunger or cold. 

Every seed that is sown for affection alone 

Receives as reward a "well done" from the Lord 

3weet as honey, more precious than gold. 

219 



TO THE SCOTTISH ASSEMBLY 
OF CHICAGO, ILL 




HILD of a storm, whose fury gave thee life 
To foster peace and end all party strife, 
Though many prophesied thy limbs so frail 
Would tottering sink before the raging gale; 

Forcing thy way beneath oppression's yoke 

The acorn has become a sturdy oak. 

Bereft of nutriment from parent's breast, 

No gentle lullaby rocked thee to rest; 

But men, brave men, thy every want supplied. 

And midst the fray stood nobly by thy side. 

No marvel then that thou shouldst live and grow, 

Though rough thy sponsors, for they loved thee so. 

When men like Murray, Brydon, Matheson, 

McKenzie, Goudie, Handford, helped thee on, 

Bates, Pringle, Spicer, Gibbs and many more, 

Firm as the granite hills thy troubles bore; 

Shand and McGregor, and the efforts made 

By an unfailing help, the Ladies' Aid; 

The wonder would be if thou didst not live, 

A sweet reward to all thy nurses give. 



220 



All honor be to those that memories wake, 
And nurture thee for dear auld Scotland's sake, 
To bring unto love's vision youthful days, 
When wandering o'er our native banks and braes. 
To kindle in the soul true friendship's fire, 
And every thought with charity inspire, 
To help each other o'er life's troubled sea. 
And make all kindred, as we ought to be. 

The piper chanting out a lively tune 

Till hair stands up on end, and very soon 

The pulse beats high, and oft against the will 

The now enchanted feet will not keep still. 

Till spite of self or what staid people feel. 

They dance a fling or have a good Scotch reel, 

Some grand oration, or a comic tale, 

A recitation or a sons: to hail. 

Thy bard extolling with a flowing pen. 

Makes young friends happy, old friends young again, 

Extracting bliss from all of life that's sweet, 

Feel ten times younger every time you meet. 

God bless the dear Assembly, and God bless 

The staunch promoters of such happiness. 



221 



When wisdom throws aside the barrier gates, 

And Canada and the United States 

Become betrothed, upon the scroll of fame, 

Let bride and bridegroom take another name. 

And two great continents be joined for aye. 

Baptized and married as — Columbia. 

That name from North to South, from East to West, 

For Annexationists will prove the best; 

Remove all controversy, and will aid 

To make a union thousands wish were made. 



So thou great giant of the Scottish race. 
For thee, Chicago, is too small a place; 
Extend your limits, and when next installed, 
Columbia Scotch Assembly be thou called ; 
And may your branches with fruit laden down. 
Spring up in every city, every town. 
Till Scotland's bairns on this great continent 
Shall all enjoy the sweets of your intent. 



The Red Cross sends thee greeting, sister dear. 
And in this great auspicious World's Fair Year, 
We realize the honor when you send 
An invitation as from friend to friend. 



222 



Such kindness wakes the indolence of our muse, 

And makes it worse than madness to refuse 

A welcome to your city, and to shake 

The hands of all that such an interest take 

In our enjoyment. While our bosoms yearn 

To offer you some kindness in return, 

Our dearest wishes lie in one short line: 

That all your members would the Red Cross join. 

We know that you have pleasure, know full well 
You have amusement more than tongue can tell; 
But in substantial benefits we feel 
That we excel, and therefore now appeal 
To your good judgment to provide for those 
You leave behind when life's career shall close. 
We prize our Order, and we love it so 
That we invite you to the best we know; 
Ourselves made happ}', safe from many a care, 
We would such noble friends our blessings share. 
With thanks, your kindness we accept, and pray 
Your great Assembly at no distant day. 
Filling your own, and our hearts with delight, 
Shall with the Red Cross Order all unite. 



223 



KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. 



MAJOR N. S. BOYNTON. SUPREME RECORD KEEPER. 




^ 



E is the best friend to his race 
Who dries the tear from sorrow's face, 

Strengthens the weak, relieves the poor. 

And furnishes a ready cure 
For every ill mankind can know, 
In summer's heat or winter's snow. 

IMiose blest with happiness and health 

Are shown the safest way to wealth, 
And for enjoyment furnished food 
To feast the earth's vast multitude 

With wisdom from choice fruitful trees 

That benefit as well as please. 
Attracting with the power of love 
The soul to brighter things above. 



When torturing care the thoughts assail, 
Or sickness droops her trembHng sail, 
When joybells cease as comforts wane 
And remedies increase the pain, 
When darker clouds each day descend. 
Then doubly precious is the friend 
Who strives unceasing to allay 
The fevered pulse by night and day, 
Soothes piercing anguish with a balm 
That makes the raging tempest calm. 
Fraternal love's magnetic power 
Cheers up the very darkest hour, 
Relieves the body and the mind: 
Oh blessed be the " ties that bind." 

There comes to some the saddest fate, 
That none can overestimate, 
When total disability 
Invokes the purest charity. 
That death in life, whose chilling blast 
Would test the warmest zeal to last. 
The journals of the lodge but show. 
That members are paid so and so. 
But ah! between each treasured line, 
We see a powerful hand divine 
Kindle each morn the sacred fires 
With patient love that never tires. 
Filling the soul with hallowed peace 
While making temjjoral joys increase. 



225 



When tottering age with feeble breath 
Seems waiting anxiously for death, 

When limbs that would no duty shirk 
Have helpless bade adieu to work, 
The seed from liberal sowing grows. 
And blossoms sweetly as the rose. 
Friends gathered in a mystic ring 
Substantial bliss and comfort bring. 
The wheat is winnowed from the chaff, 
And frailty leans upon a staff 

That never yet has failed to bear 
The weight of every human care, 
While blessings all so freely given 
Prepare the soul to enter heaven. 



When death shall ring life's curtain down 

Insurance brokers wear a frown, 
Contest at law each valid claim 
Nor pay till forced to do the same! 

But members of the Maccabees, 

Disclaim all technicalities. 

Surround the family with aid 
While benefits are promptly paid. 

Nor that alone, — beyond the grave, 

Fraternity delights to save, 

With counsel and with right goodwill, 
The widow and the orphan still. 

In memory of the member past, 

Remaining guardians to the last. 



226 



If then such love as this is found, 
Upon fraternal fallow ground, 
God bless the tillers of the soil. 
That pour on storms the peaceful oil, 
Promote their interest, and devote 
Their lives to man the gallant boat; 
And in the temple of their fame. 
Shall ever live one honored name; 
Where memory consecrates her throne. 
There N. S. Boynton shall be known. 
And myriads sing his praises o'er 
Till Maccabees shall be no more; 
They make the laws that millions please, 
But Boynton made the Maccabees, 




227 



EASTERN STAR BANQUET 



OF FERN LEAF CHAPTER, JACKSON, MICH. 



Address of Secretary Before Reading Minutes. 



(^i>ERN leaves all flourish best in shade 

Nor wish to have their charms displayed ; 
So w^ould we modestly conceal 
Some acts statistics will reveal, 
For many rays of love are shed 
That are not on our journals spread. 

In one short year we little know 

What we shall have of weal or woe; 

The Eastern Star no more shall shine 
To those who dwell in light divine; 

For sisters that have passed away 

Our tears a silent tribute pay. 



228 



The records of the year gone by 
Are not one constant stream of joy, 

The clouds of life spontaneous rise 
But from our rays much sorrow flies, 
And many just from what we are 
Have cause to bless the Eastern Star, 

One thing our minutes may not tell. 

And one we cannot mention well, 

But want makes all our pride succumb 
And laborers should not be dumb; 

When master builders come to cheer. 

We want a good piano here. 

There it is spoken past recall. 

Now shall our project stand or fall? 
We know that music will inspire 
Our hearts to do what you desire, 

And feel that every generous friend 

Will help us to attain this end. 



Unlike the singing of the birds 
Our works speak better than our words. 
That they are honest, good and true 
We now submit for your review, 
And trust they will our aim sustain 
The Banner Chapter to remain. 



22g 



EASTERN STAR BANQUET. 



ADDRESS AFTER READING MINUTES. 




HUS we submit the records of the year 

With happy consciousness of duty done; 
Although to mortal sight may not appear 

The conquests we have fought, the victory won. 

Oh bless the Eastern Star, whose mellow light 
Is ever pointing to life's brightest goal: 

That crowns us more than conquerors to-night, 
Within the fadeless records of the soul. 

And bless the rays that oh! so sweetly blend 
To make the sorrows of mankind decrease; 

Till Fern Leaf Chapter joins the sinner's Friend, 
And brighter shines in God's eternal peace. 



230 



FERN LEAF CHAPTER. 



ADDRESS TO MEMBERS. 




OW golden keys of love unbar 
The Eastern Star, 
Its constant rays of light shall cheer 
What our great Architect holds dear. 

Meek Adah, aye to duty true, 

With ray of blue, 
In loveliness of fragrant morn. 
Or sweet moss rose without a thorn. 

Ruth, as the golden orb of day 

With yellow ray. 
Whose sheaves of wheat and sunny joy 
Like richest blessings multiply. 

Pale Esther, as the soft moonlio-ht 

In silvery white, 
Pure emblem of life's highest goal 
Truth, honor, virtue in the soul. 

Sweet Martha, robed as earth's fair queen 

In charming green. 
All nature knows the power to please 
That decks the meadows, clothes the trees. 

231 



Electa, let thy blessings spread 

Their brightest red, 
That which the Savior freely gave 
From holy veins, mankind to save. 

These blended colors sweetly shine 

With power divine. 
And every generous heart persuade 
To freely give substantial aid. 

Let all who bow the knee in prayer 

And use the square. 
Know that the Architect above 
Requires cement for rocks of love. 

From the foundation to the dome 

Of every home, 
Where angles are most plumb and straight 
Love is the builder's willing mate; 

And every wisdom-loving man 

Doth all he can 
To give his helpmate all that's due 
To make both heart and temple true. 



232 



As in the shade your own fern leaf, 

So you in grief 
Arise in might. The task he ours 
To water well such fragrant flowers. 

The trowel shall not ring in vain, 

Sweet music's strain 
Shall soon assist your work to bless 
And crown you all with happiness. 

O glorious emblematic rays, 

Receive our praise. 
In acts of good forever grow 
As Eastern Stars with love's bright glow. 




(16) 



233 



THE GOAT. 



GAVE my name in, and was told 

To hastily prepare 
For things that made the blood run cold, 

When Avitnessed anywhere. 
My heart filled up with misery 

And base balls filled my throat, 
A thousand nightmares rode on me 

Before I rode the goat. 



The previous night while thinking o'er 

The Welshman I should ride, 
Quick hands had bound me to the floor 

And all my threats defied. 
A host of phantoms rose to view 

That seemed in air to float, 
And screeched "that boiling lead will do, 

Now then bring in the goat." 



They dipped me in the boiling lead, 

Then stretched me out on ice. 
While one great mogul smiling said — 

"Now skin him quick and nice." 
This done, they put me in salt brine. 

Then placed me in a boat 
To cross the equinoctial line. 

Rowed by a frisky goat. 



^34 



His goatship winked and squeezed my hand, 

Then spilt me in the sea, 
But when I reached McGinty's land 

I struggled and got free. 
' The chain and spell at once were broke, 

And to my aching head 
I quickly raised my hand and woke 

To find myself in bed. 

The horror of that dream next day 

Still filled me with affright, 
Yet bravely finishing the play 

I rode the goat that night, 
But whether he was tired or weak 

There was no chance to note. 
Before I'd time to think or speak 

We finished with the goat. 

Then up came many a smiling friend, 

Who grasped me by the hand 
And made me quickly comprehend 

Their aid I could command. 
And now, while sailing down life's stream 

My barque of fortune floats, 
To gain such friendship and esteem 

Td ride ten thousand goats. 



235 



THE KICKER. 



^c 



E is easily discovered, 

For he's present everywhere; 
From the lov^^est haunt of evil 

To the solemn house of prayer; 
From the halls of legislation 

To the humblest village school ; 
In the club room, in the council. 

Finding fault with every rule, 
Till his asinine orations 

Burst like bubbles as they fall, 
But the kicker in the lodge room 

Is the toughest of them all. 



Mean, disloyal, autocratic. 

And omniscient in his way; 
Problems we require to study, 

He can fathom right away ; 
Tears in strips the constitution, 

And blindfolded from it draws. 
(Being blindf old's our advantage.) 

One to guide all rules and laws. 
He w^ants separate jurisdictions. 

And with egotistic gall, 
Hoodoo Jonah, rule or ruin. 

He would like to govern all. 



236 



He can torture all his children, 

He can terrify his wife, 
Make his home a perfect bedlam, 

And a breeding den of strife. 
He can bust up schools and churches. 

And no matter what he joins. 
He will sow the seed of discord. 

Check the bearing of the vines: 
Planting thorns among the roses. 

Stop the rolling of the ball; 
Oh, the kicker in the lodge room 

Is a nuisance to us all! 



It is true he may be useful 

In some way we cannot tell. 
For if he should make an effort. 

He would surely bust up — Well — 
There's no saying what he cannot 

Succeed breaking when he tries. 
Every lodge he enters into, 

If they heed him, weakens, dies. 
Sound a requiem to his protests, 

" Turn his picture to the wall," 
For the kicker in the lodge room 

Should be bounced and trounced by all. 



237 



FINANCIERS. 



gF 



INANCIERS for their services, 

Each month receive as pay 
A blank, sometimes a double blank, 

Just as the by-laws say. 
But by-laws would be volumes large 

If they would only tell 
All that financiers do receive, 

That do their duty well. 



To keep the books, or send a note 

For money that is due. 
To go to lodge quite regular, 

Be honest, good and true. 
Be here and there and everywhere. 

At morning, noon and night. 
Is only pleasant pastime, and 

Must give as much delight. 



As when they hear such words as these: 

"I've paid you that before." 
"What, here again? Well, call again 

Dear brother." — (horrid bore.) 
"Why bless me. Brother So-and-so, 

I am quite out of change. 
Send my assessments on for me. 

And next week I'll arrange." 



238 



"Well, really I can't understand 

Where all the money goes, 
Or how in all the blankey blank 

You always wear good clothes. 
It's good to be financier of 

A thriving, prosperous lodge; 
They all seem to have money, and 

They're up to every dodge." 

But why should we enumerate 

The perquisites so great 
That make these officers receive 

More than we estimate. 
It's well known that financiers are 

Just like a well stocked bank; 
By-laws should mark their salaries 

Blank blank, blank blank, blank blank. 




239 



SCOTLAND YET. 

(ST. ANDREWS BANQUET.) 




GOTLAND yet! from o'er the ocean 

Thy inspiring charms appear; 
As thy children with devotion 

Greet the good Saint Andrew here. 
Oh, what bhssful recreation, 

Picture words can never jDaint; 
Friends in one grand celebration 

Honoring our patron saint. 



Scotland yet! in all the glory 

That can unto earth belong; 
Whose bright annals grace history, 

And enrich melodious song. 
What though pens surcharged have blotted 

Stains upon thy poet's name, 
Robert Burns still shines unspotted 

In the splendor of his fame. 



Scotland yet! where'er we wander. 

Or cast anchor from thy strand, 
Happy memories make us fonder 

Of our own, our native land. 
And though many from thee sever. 

Whose bright hope dispels regret, 
Heart and voice cry out forever, 

Scotland yet! Auld Scotland yet! 

240 



ACROSTICS. 




There is "je ne sais quoi" in love, 
O'er which our hearts have no control, 

Melodious meetings of the soul 
In vain that scienced men would solve, 
Spontaneous rise, yet ne'er will be 
Subservient to our decree. 

A look, a glance, hath gained a heart, 
Gained it unknowing and unknown; 
Nor years, nor life, nor death could part. 
Excelsior powers proclaimed them one. 
So strange, so like, so false, so true. 

Come as it will, come as it may, 
Love moves in a mysterious way 
Alike what fancy never knew. 
Rendering the heart as potter's clay. 
Know then, sweet maid, its secret — ours, 
Solemnious explanation. 
One that directs life's fleeting hours 
Nor changes — ordination. 



242 



Tenderest treasure-trove, 
Empress of parents' love, 
Rosebud of beauty, 
Exquisite divine. 
Sweet as unsullied glee 
In childhood's purity, 
Tranquil felicity 
Always be thine. 

Music, true love and flowers, 
Impressing higher powers. 
Caressing fleeting hours. 
Hopefully, — cheerfully 
Excel in making thy 
Life as one long fond kiss 
Extracting happiness — 
Nearer each day to bliss 
And perfect joy. 



243 



MARRIED. 



Live from doubts and anger free. 
Illustrate true harmony. 
Zephyr winds with angels' breath 
Zealous guard you until death, 
Immortelles of sunshine roam 
Ever in your future home. 

With parental blessings go 

Into unseen weal or woe, 

Let your everv action prove 

Life's best heritage is love. 

If a cloud should ever rise, 

And hard words need soft replies. 

May the meekness you possess 

Soon restore to happiness. 

Often blest are those who live 

Near the voice which says — forgive. 



244 



To each others' heart reveal 
Only all you know and feel; 

Come what may, if once possessed, 

Have no secrets unconfessed; 

As the seaman — careful steer; 

Rocks concealed are most to fear. 

Let your thoughts without alloy, 

Enter into sacred joy; 

Search the truths that God has given, 

Seek and find the path to heaven. 

Be fond lovers all your days. 
Anchoring in virtue's ways, 
'Xcelling in graces pure; 
Till earth's happiness is sure. 
Effulging when life shall cease, 
Resting in eternal peace. 



245 



Thine beameth as a fond endearins: face 
Of bygone days, whose captivating grace 

My heart has mirrored, till, familiar grown, 
I think of thee as though thou wert mine own; 
Some strange magnetic influential fire 
Seems to create the features we desire, 

Joins form to faith, as thoughts in fervent prayer 
Embrace the soul, and leaves impressions there. 
Strange thou ait not, for in the silent night 
Sweet dreams of thee have filled me with delisrht: 
In morning solitude by fragrant mead 
Each flower portrayed thee, by some 2:)Ower decreed. 

Gave shape to loveliness they typed so well. 

Left only charms for closer sight to tell : 
All these are thine, and may bright happy days 
Ne'er cease to bless thee, and the Savior's ways 
Direct our intercourse with purest rays: 
Improving as the flowers with sun and rain. 
So may our friendship prove a mutual gain. 



246 



Every time this page you view, 
Let memory bri:-:g to her throne 
Loving friends whose thoughts for you 
Are ever faithful as thine own. 

Friends who in life's sunny vale 

Perhaps you never more may see 
Rejoice in thy dear company. 
If their fond prayers can aught avail, 
No harm shall ever thee assail 
Could their wish make thy destiny, 
Ella thy life will happy be. 



Leave me your name, this book will tell 
Each friend that I have loved so well. 
Now in my life's dear early prime. 
And may recall this Christmas time. 



247 



Buoyant and joyous 
Enchanting each heart, 
Light as a fairy, 
Loquacious and smart. 
Average beauty, 

Honest the face, 
Union of gladness. 
Goodness and grace- 
Happiest blessings, 
Enduring all time, 
Seal thy life's history 
Sweetly sublime. 



Might I alter your sweet little name 

1 would yet make it something more dear, 

Not to add but reduce it one-third. 

Now take "N" and then "I" from the same. 

It will leave you my meaning quite clear, 

Expressing a much better word. 



248 



riay thy life be long and cheerful 
As a northern summer's day; 
Reveling in happy sunshine, 
Yet where tempering breezes play. 

All our life is but a journey 

To a permanent abode; 

Keep the end in view, dear Mary, 

It will help you on the road. 

Night shades give the stars their beauty, 

Sorrow sanctifies all bliss; 

Oh may thine but serve to bring thee 

Nearer heaven and happiness. 



('7) 249 



EXCHANGING FLOWERS. 



The garden of my heart contains 
One precious little gem, 

More prized than any that remains 

In memory's diadem ; 

Sings to my soul continuously 

Sweet praise — and sweeter thoughts of thee. 

Gifts are the echoes of the mind — 
Unwritten volumes — undefined; 
Simply a flower in life's brief dream, 
Secures forever our esteem. 
In language nothing else imparts. 
Exchanging flowers joins kindred hearts. 

Oh, may such unity be ours, 

Live flourishing in friendship's bowers, 

Safe in bright hope's retreat; 

Only to spend the blissful hours 

Near to the Savior's feet. 



250 



Matchless beauty's richest dower 
Yields to thy more potent power 

Orient gems of brilliant light 

Wilt before thine eyes more bright. 

Never could a maid for me 

Smile so sweet and charmingly 
Warbling, fond enchanting voice, 
Endless music of my choice. 
Echo makes my every vein 
Thrill with rapture at, the strain. 

Lovely form with fairy grace. 
In thy sweet entrancing face 
Nature all her wealth can trace; 
Dearest heart to mortal given 
All thy gifts are types of heaven. 



251 



Hope cheers the heart when other causes fail, 
And makes a calm where else would be a gale. 
No wealth can purchase half the joy it brings, 
Nor sorrow steal its bright imaginings. 
A priceless gem and yet to all how free, 
Hopes realized in my fond hope for thee. 



riaggie, if in some future year 

A thought of these bright happy days 

Gladdens thy heart with sunny rays 

Gilding life's path as they appear, 

In such fond scroll of love's pure fame, 

Enroll as friend my humble name. 



252 



TO 



THE DAY BEFORE HER MARRIAGE. 



riay thy path be free from sorrow 
As thy mind is free from guile. 
Richly may the coming morrow- 
Yield for thee its brisfhtest smile. 



')5 ' 



Be the one whom thou may'st cherish 
Ever in thy bosom's core, 
Loved, and until life \vill perish 
Live thy fondest wishes o'er; 

Not a cloud to mar thy pleasure, 
Endless joys thy life enshrine, 
And at death a richer treasure, 
Love and peace, and heaven be thine. 



Leave me your name, in future years, 
In grief or joy, in smiles or tears. 
Zealous I'll guard the gift, although 
Zephyrs or stormy winds may blow. 
In life's great book, and you will be 
Endearing as the name I see. 

253 



BE EXHORTED. 



nEMENTO REV. W. H. SMITH. 



E exhorted, be exhorted 
^^U^y In the holy fear of God; 
"T(£)o To His throne approach, and tremble 
At the sin-avenging rod. 
Ah, vile hearts too oft delighted 

Do we dwell on pleasures vain, 

And forsake that happy dwelling 

Where true bliss must ever reign. 



'&' 



Be exhorted, heed not riches. 

Heed not penury's sad cry, 
Jesus calls from heaven. Behold me! 

Come and join me in the sky. 
Lay your sensual hearts before Him 

And repent each bygone crime; 
Ask His pardon, ask His blessing, 

Seek eternity in time. 

Be exhorted, freely ask Him, 

He will just as freely give. 
From the fulness of His glory. 

Bread enough to eat and live. 
Without money. Heaven's treasure. 

Without price, oh fond delight. 
Boundless love beyond all measure, 

Give to all, O God, to-night. 

254 



EMENTO OF SERMONS 



DELIVERED BY THE 



REV, DR, JOHN GRAY, 



OF KALP^MPyZOO, MICH, 



MEETING. 




AKE a walk into God's garden 
On this holy Christmas day, 

And select from its rich treasures 
A most beautiful bouquet. 

See! the bright flowers are inviting, 
With no frosts to mar their bloom 

Come, enjoy their lovely freshness. 

And inhale their sweet perfume. 



Here's the Lily of the Valley, 

There is Sharon's dewy Rose; 
Place them in the best position, 

Their great beauty to disclose. 
This small blossom, called Obedience, 

Gives to other flowers a grace 
That enhances all their value. 

And not one can fill its place. 

See! meek Charity is hiding. 

Bashful as a timid bride; 
These will make a pretty trio, 

Hope and Faith upon each side. 
Here, too. Meekness, Temperance, Patience, 

Lovingkindness, Peace and Joy, 
Mercy, Gentleness and Goodness, 

All that love, — not gold, — can buy. 



iS6 



"Therefore, let us not sleep."— isx Thess., 5:6. 

^\7 EATH the surface of the Ocean 
^y \/ There are currents swift, unseen, 
Rolling in perpetual motion 

As a rapid mountain stream ; 
And the Church is ofttimes movino- 

Like the currents of the deep, 
When to casual observers 
It may seem to be asleep. 

But while this is true, 'tis also 

True, that many sleep awav 
Precious moments that are flying. 

And for which they hope and pray. 
Slumber is not very distant — 

Faith is tottering to a fall — 
When the Church is not responsive 

To God's earnest, anxious call. 

Sleep gives no realization 

Of the visions that we dream; 
Oft our purest, holiest fancies 

Vanish with the morninof beam ; 
But let us be ever movinsf 

As the currents of the deep, 
Realizing every blessing, 

And on duty never sleep. 



257 



" His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He 
saith unto you, do it."— St. John, 2:5. 

^^^^HE fundamental principle 
4.|I^V Of science is to know 
"^^v The laws that govern earth and sea, 
The heavens, and all below ; 
And though at times their edicts stern 

May fill our minds with awe, 
The surest way to freedom is 
Obedience to the law. 



Obedience makes the bondsman free 

And cheers the heart bowed down; 
It turns the water into wine, 

It makes the cross a crown. 
Behold the best example given. 

The greatest victory won. 
On Calvary, when Christ exclaimed: 

" Thy will, not mine, be done." 

He saith — Be sure 'tis He indeed 

Directs ere we obey — 
God gives us wisdom to discern 

The pure and holy Way; 
And faith still sees the Spirit dove, 

And hears for souls diseased: 
"Lo, this is my beloved Son 

In whom I am well pleased." 

2s8 



By one great sin our parents fell; 

Then let us watch and pray 
For grace, to guard our weakest part, 

Lest we should go astray. 
And whatsoever that He saith, 

The sacred precepts given, 
Be ours the glorious part to do; 

Obedience leads to Heaven. 




259 



" For the Lord God is a sun." — Psalms 84: i i. 

^^Cl'^HE Lord God is a sun" 

\^J To give us heat and light, 
To cheer us on our pilgrimage 

And make the dismal bright. 
Without his glorious beams 

Our race would soon be run ; 
But, blessed be his holy name, 
"The Lord God is a sun." 

"The Lord God is a sun" — 

Yet if we choose to stay 
In darkened cells of guilt and sin 

We lose his powerful ray. 
Still, still the welcome cry 

To all who will is, " Come!" 
Repentant tears are dew and rain — 

"The Lord God is a sun." 

"The Lord God is a sun" 

That shineth every hour, 
The source of everlasting love, 

And all life-giving power. 
O I may we all absorb 

That love so easy won, 
And feel with all significance. 

Thou, Lord God, art a sun. 

260 



'■ The Son of Man came eating and drinking." — Matthew ii: ig. 

^^JATING and drinking the Son of ]Man came — 
|Ly Human in feeling, in nature, and name; 
'^'^ Hungry and thirsty, acquainted with grief, 
Poor and despised — to bring sinners reHef. 

Eatinsf to live: but thev said -in their scorn: 
" Living- to eat; He is gluttonous born." 
Mark His forbearance; wherever he trod. 
Teaching in all things to glorify God. 



Eating and drinking, Himself, wine and bread; 
Gave us His own blood and body instead. 
Savior, Redeemer, the cup drained by Thee 
Opened the door of salvation for me. 



261 



"Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my 
daughter is grievously vexed with a devil." — Mat- 
thew, 15:22-28. 



^ Ct /^AVE mercy upon me, O Lord!" 
O/ ^ The mother's prayer was heard, 
Although at first the Savior stood 
And answered not a word. 
" Send her away," they Him besought; 

"Why hear her call and weep?" 
He, answering, said "I am not sent 
But to Israel's lost sheep." 



She worshiped while He pitied, yet 

To test her faith He said: 
"It is not meet to cast to dogs 

Or waste the children's bread." 
Mark her reply: "Truth, Lord," she cried 

"Yet even dogs may eat 
The crumbs, that from the table fall, 

Around their master's feet." 



Such faith the Christ cannot resist, 

He grants the woman's prayer; 
Nor lame, nor blind, nor dumb, nor maimed 

Need ever more despair. 
If to the heathen stranger He 

Such loving kindness give, 
The vilest sinner in the world 

May come to him and live. 

262 



This woman knew she needed aid, 

Let us just know the same; 
Then cling to Him with faith as strong — 

We shall not cling in vain. 
At first the answer may not come; 

Still plead we on, and say: 
I will not leave thee till thou bless 

And take my sins away." 

Pure thoughts and acts are more than words, 

Yet each perform their part; 
" We walk by faith and not by sight," 

God looks into the heart. 
O Father, strengthen our weak faith 

And make us come to thee. 
Believing, knowing, at thy word 

All evil spirits flee. 



.'.^^ 




263 



" For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of 
man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth 
no man, but the Spirit of God."— IST CoR ,2:11. 



^^^^^^IS said that once an eastern prince 
\^J A curious gem possessed; 

Whenever there was danger near, 

A ring his finger pressed. 
The ring's a myth, but we have all 

A monitor more true — 
A conscience that would safely guide 
In everything we do. 



Conscience plays a threefold part 

In every human breast, 
Discriminates 'tween right and wrong, 

Impels to do the best, 
And punishes or else rewards, 

According to our ways; 
It makes oiar pathway bright and clear, 

Or leaves us in a maze. 



Whene'er we sin and go astray, 

Bv false delusions snared: 
When self-denial loses power, 

Our conscience is impaired. 
To close our ears or shut our eyes 

Prevents not sound or light — 
We need the great physician's care 

To make our conscience right. 

264 



For all the faculties we have 

Were given to improve, 
And he who gives provides the way, 

In mercy and in love. 
Oh hear His voice, to all who are 

With conscious guilt oj^pressed : 
" My yoke is easy, come to me 

And I will give you rest." 



We ofttimes wish, but wish in vain, 

That we could hut recall 
Some evil hour in which we sinned, 

Not heeding conscience call. 
We can't prevent the evil done, 

But we can think it o'er. 
And bring it to the mercy seat. 

Be cleansed and sin no more. 



Then let us hear our conscience cry — 

It never leads astray — 
But brings us out of darkest night 

To pure and perfect day. 
It is a valued instrument, 

Which holy angels kiss. 
An inward voice to guide, to save 

The soul for endless bliss. 



(18) 265 




"Thou shall not wear a g^arment of divers sorts, as of woolen 
and linen together." — Deut., 22: 11. 



EEN with the might of gospel hght 

Old laws appear as new. 
If law conceals, the light reveals 

What sinners have to do. 
The varied seeds of flowers and weeds 

Together cannot thrive ; 
The plants grow strange, their natures change 

And do not long survive. 



'Tis well to dress in comeliness. 

With woolen or with lint; 
But not unite the wrong and right. 

As good and bad intent. 
Select the clean from the obscene, 

The pure from the impure — 
And separate all love from hate. 

The clear from the obscure. 



And when we wear the garments fair 

That Christ will only know. 
Make sin depart, and leave the heart 

As spotless as the snow. 
We may be least at Jesus feast, 

But He remains the same, 
And still requires the pure desires 

Of all who bear his name. 

266 



" Where there is no vision, the people perish." — ^Prov. 29: 18. 

^^G^ISIONS, blessed visions, telling a glad story 
T^A Sent to cheer our souls, O God, from all despondency; 
^-^^</vy l^eautiful their missions, shadowing thy glory, 
Revealing joys for all who trust in thee. 



Ever welcome vision! Jesus from the manger 

Marching onward on his course to dark Gethsemane. 

Full of intuition, warning him of danger — 
That love he bore us would not let him flee. 



Sad, but dearest vision! God, to scenes so dreary. 
Sending his beloved Son to die so cruelly 

For our sin's remission. Let us never weary 
Looking at Jesus upon Calvary. 

Bright and hopeful vision! Jesus now in Heaven, 

Standing at the throne of God in love and majesty- 
Making intercession that we may be forgiven, 
And dwell with him in bliss eternallv. 



Savior, make our vision everv morning clearer — 
Looking through the golden gate of blest futurity ; 

And at death's transition — sweeter, nearer, dearer — 
Bright shadows turn, a great reality. 



267 




"And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!"— St. John, 19:5. 



HRIST'S doctrine gets the blame 

For every ill in life, 
Although before the Savior came 

Dw^elt sin and strife. 
Dark clouds were o'er the earth 

When Bethlehem's tidings ran — 
Come, worship at Messiah's birth — 

"Behold the Man!" 



The King of Kings is born. 

While countless angels smile. 
And all His life, from that blest morn, 

Was free from guile. 
Now, grown in strength and grace, 

His mission well began. 
The brisfhtness of His Father's face: 

"Behold the Man!" 



The light of Heaven grows dim, 

As howling rabbles cry: 
"Away with him ! Away with him ! 

To crucify !" 
And Pilate's answer stands 

An everlasting ban: 
" I find no fault, I wash my hands. 

Behold the man!" 



268 



Behold! while they deride, 

Behold! His work complete; • 
Behold the blood stream from his side, 

His hands, his feet. 
Behold his dying breath, 

Behold God's only ^^lan 
To save our guilty souls from death; 

" Behold the Man ! " 




260 



'God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in 
spirit and in truth." — St, John, 4: 24. 




OT only on the mountain, 

The valley or the plain, 
God's sacred cleansing fountain 

Springs everywhere the same; 
It has no local limit. 

But boundless, full and free. 
At any hour or minute 

It flows for you and me. 



No matter what our nation, 

Or how we speak or sing. 
Each earnest supplication 

Will its own answer bring. 
If pure from all deceiving 

We give to God our heart. 
And ask of him, believing, 

He will perform his part. 

God is a Spirit holy, 

And if we worship in 
A spirit truthful, lowly. 

Confessing all our sin. 
He will bestow a blessing 

And graciously supply 
That Water, which possessing. 

Secures eternal joy. 



270 




"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew 
the Lord's death till he come."— i CoR., 11:26. 

SOLEMN feast divine, 
With hallowed bread and wine, 

At Thy dear feet, 
Grant me, Lord, and reveal 
All thou would'st have me feel ; 
And with these symbols, seal 
Thy love complete. 

Now from my thoughts efface 
All but thy pleading face, 

Near thy last breath; 
Do this for love of Thee.'' 
Yea, Lord, 'tis love to me — 
Thy dying agony, 

Thy bitter death. 

Softly ! my beating heart. 
No longer fear or start, 

Tranquilly rest. 
Jesus, Redeemer, mine — 
Blest with such love as thine. 
Here let my soul recline, 

Safe on thy breast. 

Heed not these blinding tears; 
While thy loved form appears, 

Blessing, they come. 
Grateful thy cup 1 kiss, 
Tasting life's greatest bliss. 
Goal of all happiness, 

Heaven, my home. 
271 




" Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."- 
RoMANS, 12:21. 



ET us grieve not the Spirit, but try 

To resist all temptation. We should, 
As peculiar people, rely 

On our faith in the Savior's shed blood. 
And then prove, 
From his love. 
We can overcome evil with good. 



As the farmer enriching the soil 

That he fallows and sows with pure seeds, 
Is rewarded for all extra toil 

By the grain leaving no room for weeds; 
So the mind 
Grows refined 
As we overcome bad with good deeds. 



We may often be tempted and tried 

And deluded by some subtle snare. 
But the glitter of evil avoid. 

Though it promises ever so fair; 
There is death 
In the path, 
And our only safe refuge is prayer. 



272 



Though our pathway and journey through Hfe 

May seem harder than others have trod; 
Though surrounded by trouble and strife, 
Let us bow to the chastenins: rod : 
Live in peace, 
And increase 
In the nurture and knowledo^e of God. 

While we love those who hate us, and give 

To our enemies blessinsfs and food; 
While we show, by example, we live 
In a light the}^ have not understood ; 
Let us pra}- 
That they may 
Also overcome evil with grood. 




273 



" Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his 
own blood." — Acts, 20: 28. 



H 



F we feel saved ourselves, that feeling ought 

To produce good 
Toward the Church of God that He hath bought 

"With his own blood." 
Christ loves the Church, and loves that those thereia 
Should all be pure and separate from sin. 

The Church is God's own people, called unto 

A glorious task ; 
Obtaining freely grace and strength to do 

All he will ask. 
Thus, while we feed the hungry with good things, 
Our souls are fed by the great King of Kings. 

God knows that we must mingle with the world — 

Christ did the same; 
Yet when his sacred banners were unfurled 

Salvation came. 
We may not, cannot, give the love He gave — 
But we can always show his power to save. 

Our bodies are but caskets to enshrine 

The soul on earth; 
Yet they are temples of the power divine 

That gave them birth. 
And God's own temples emblems should display, 
That Christ may love to entei^ there, and stay. 

274 



" They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, say- 
ing, 'Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual 
covenant that shall not be forgotten.' " — Jeremiah 50: 5. 



S 



HALL we in sorrow live, ever repining? 

Rich love is offered us, why stay we poor? 
Come, let us bind ourselves to the Lord, joining 
Li a new covenant that shall endure. 

How can we sing the songs of Zion, living 
Still in the bondage of sin we conceal? 

Turn and confess it all, God is forgiving, 
And ever ready our pardon to seal. 

We do not have the power to make him willing; 

He, of his own accord, shows the way clear — 
Points to the Savior, his promise fulfilling; 

Though we are unstable. He is sincere. 

We are taught to forgive, seventy times seven; 

Jesus will not do less — He will do more; 
While he is calling us to him in heaven, 

Angels are waiting to open the door. 

Come, then, and turn to him, fervently praying 
For a new covenant, making us whole; 

Answer the greatest of questions, by saying, 
" Yes, it is well ; it is well with m}' soul." 



275 



And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel.' 

1C ■ T-f, 



—Genesis, 



35:1-6 




E should be warriors — 

Conquerors brave — 
Wrestlers with God until 
He bless and save. 

Banish all sin and pride, 
Cast idols all aside, 
Trust in the love well tried 
That Jesus gave. 



There is a Bethel near 

Where we can go. 
Where lovely rivers of 
Purity flow, 

In their free crystal sheen 
Lord, with a power unseen, 
Make, thou, our raiment clean, 
" Whiter than snow." 

Then, with our garments changed. 

Lead thou the way; 
Be thou our constant guide 
Lest we should stray. 

Trembling, alone we stand, 
Firm, when we hold thy hand, 
Safely we reach the land, 
Brighter than day. 



276 



No longer wanderers, 

Straying alone; 
Secure in Bethel now, 
Evil clays gone; 

Basking in God's pure rays, 
Here let us end our days, 
Here let us ever praise 
Jesus, our own. 




277 



" But new wine must be put into new bottles and 
both are preserved."— St. Luke, 5:38. 

/^^^ HRIST taught in parables, that we 
Might better comprehend 
Each thing's adaptability, 
For its good use and end. 
If we to fitness limit time and space 
Then all but sin is right in proper place. 



In fifty years, this world has made 

A change so great and vast, 
That little we see now displayed 
Reminds us of the past; 
And now the Church must prove its potent power, 
And change its plans to suit the passing hour. 

God leaves no room to deviate 
From his unchanging laws; 
" Thou shalt," decides at once the fate 
Of all who own His cause; 
But in this age, the Church requires much less 
To educate, and more need to impress. 



278 



The rich have got much richer, and 

The poor have poorer grown, 
'Till now the church should take a hand 
Of each, within its own, 
And, in a way which Jesus understood. 
Unite them in a nobler brotherhood. 

The church should strenuously oppose 

Attractions, oft abused. 
That tend to make the young suppose 
They come to be amused. 
Where Christ delights to dwell upon this earth, 
Is no fit place for levity or mirth. 



The one great object, hope and aim 

For which we live or die. 
Should influence us all the same — 
Our God, to glorify; 
And let the homage of each grateful heart, 
With praise of angels be a glorious part. 



!79 




"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment 
to come, Felix trembled, and answered, ' Go thy way for this 
time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.'" 
— Acts, 24:25. 



ELIX trembles, for a mirror, 

Held bv Paul, reflects his heart ; 
It recalls his evil doings. 

And the picture makes him start; 
Now, the captive seems accuser 

As he hears his listener say, 
" Go thv way, and I will call thee, 

At a more convenient day." 



Oh! this sad procrastination, 

Kills fair Hope, and fills its grave; 
Ruins lives, and robs the Savior 

Of the souls He died to save. 
Felix should have had the courage, 

Even though so far depraved. 
To have cried out, "Help me! Tell me! 

What must I do to be saved ? " 

Few may be so bad as Felix, 

But there's none that can survey 
Their own actions in a mirror 

Without feeling some dismay. 
At that moment, call on Jesus, 

He will cleanse from every crime; 
Don't defer such great salvation ; 

" Now is the accepted time." 
280 



" Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with 
me where I am; that they may behold my glory."— John 
17:24. 



m) 



HEN we talk of others, what we say and feel 
Will, to good observers, our own hearts reveal. 
This great law of nature is well understood; 
Evil speaks of evil — good delights in good. 



Those who sweetly mention virtues in mankind. 
Veiling little blunders, are, by God designed 
To make others happy, and themselves to be 
Joyful christian soldiers, near to victory, 

Christ our God-man, leader, loved his fellow men. 
And would frailties pity rather than condemn; 
Even when they scoffed him, all his nature true 
Prayed, Forgive them, for they know not what they do. 

Now the cross is near him, but the crown is there, 
And its holy beauty fills his soul with prayer 
For his dear companions, pleading that they may 
Live, and see his glory shine in endless day. 

Prayer is weakness looking unto strength for aid, 
And by its true feeling all our sins are weighed: 
If our faith is stronger than the evil done, 
God in mercy pardons, and the battle's won. 

If we, like the Savior, pray that all our friends 
May with us be living when earth's journey ends, 
Then let us be certain we are on the road 
Leading up to heaven, taking us to God. 
(19) 281 




Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone." — Exodus, 
34:29-30. 



O! from Sinai's mount returning, 
Moses filled with heavenly grace — 

Like a beacon brightly burning, 
Lighting every dismal place. 
With the beauty 
Of God's glory on his face. 

When with God we hold communion 
We absorb his love divine, 

'Till the ever blessed union 

Makes the light within us shine. 

Which, beholding. 
Others with our praises join. 



What a privilege, extending 
Unto us such liberty ; 

God himself, so condescending. 
Teaches us humility — 

Best of graces, 
Incense to the Deity. 



282 



As we rise in God's great favor, 
In our self esteem we fall, 

'Till we know, without a Savior, 
We are lost and ruined all ; 
Then be lowly, 
Well filled grain will not grow tall. 

Yes, be humble — and like Moses, 
Though the trembling people fear. 

Wist not what our face discloses, 
Know not how we may appear; 

Feeling only 
That our God is near and dear. 



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283 




"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that 
hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine 
and milk without money and without price."— Isaiah, 55: i. 



HE king hath provided a palace of beauty, 
For all that are wearied and anxious to rest; 
Its windows are agates, its walls are carbuncles. 
Foundation of sapphires, the brightest and best. 



The tables are spread with selected refreshment. 
Wine to exhilarate and milk to sustain, 

And pure flowing waters, from purest of fountains, 
From which if we drink, we will ne'er thirst again. 



And now sends his messengers, cheerily calling, 

To all that will hearken: "Come! drink, rest and eat; 

The gates are wide open; no money is needed; 
The passport is Thirst, and the waters are sweet; 



The feast is inviting, and freely 'tis offered; 

O! come then, rejoicing, and freely receive; 
The Master will clothe you in proper apparel, 

You need nothing more than to thirSt and believe. 



O God, in thy greatness, how tender, how mindful, 
How loving, how gentle, how good and how free; 

Not only inviting, persuading, entreating 
Such sinners, to sit at the table with thee. 

284 



Whenever we think of thy majestic glory 

Our souls fill with awe, and we tremble, dismayed, 

Till hearing the sweet voice of Jesus, exclaiming 
" Behold! I am here with you; be not afraid!" 

Kind comforting words of a great Mediator; 

When led by thy hand, we have nothing to fear; 
With thy lovely presence, and blessed forgiveness, 

Our courage returns as our sins disappear. 

Lord, here we present thee our bodies forever, 
And " come " at the call of the spirit and bride; 

Then evermore give us that wonderful water 
That flows so abundant and free, from thy side. 




^^ 



285 



Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, 
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye 
know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." — i Corin- 
thians, 15:58. 

J*^ OD'S loving kindness has no end, 
He is our best, our dearest friend 

From infancy to age; 
By him, when newdy born, we share. 
Our parent's tender love and care, 

A holy heritage. 

And as we grow from year to year. 
Our love and gratitude appear 

Like early flowers in bloom. 
Love is the purest joy on earth, 
It consecrates all christian worth — 

True love is God's perfume. 

And love makes labor happiness; 

God worked six days for love — to bless 

The creatures he then made. 
The laborer is worth his hire. 
And we should all with praise, aspire 

To see God's wages paid. 

'Tis wisdom to have understood 
Established laws for our own good. 

And then those laws obey ; 
Some steady motive to induce 
Our brain, our muscle, to produce 

A little every day. 

286 



According to good rules for health, 
We labor not alone for wealth, 

But that we may obtain 
Enjoyment, hope, and daily bread, 
A place to rest the wearied head, 

And not to work in vain. 

God's blessings everywhere abound, 
But must be sought ere they are found; 

First ask, and then receive. 
Work while 'tis day, the night draws near 
In which we cannot labor here. 

Nor ill-spent time retrieve. 

If for this world 'tis worth our while 
To labor hard, how should we toil 

And struggle to attain 
That happy spirit land above, 
Since well we know that God's great love 

Lets no one work in vain. 

Oh! let us then be steadfast, true, 
In all he gives us here to do. 

And merit the reward. 
This hope before us, cheers the way; 
We work to live in perfect day. 

Forever with the Lord. 



287 




"The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting 
desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven." — 
Matthew, i6: i. 

*HEY ask from heaven a sign 

To prove our Lord divine, 
But Jesus knew their object and refused; 
If he would bow to all, 
Who thus deceitful call. 
How soon his sovereign power would be abused. 

God's blessings some near lose, 

Because his ways confuse 
The preconceived ideas of their own; 

They think they know the best, 

How to be saved and blest. 
And thus would steal the glory from God's throne. 



Like Naaman, when he came 

To test Elisha's fame, 
Was told "to wash seven times in Jordan's stream;" 

He could not understand 

How such a plain command 
Could ever heal disease and make him clean. 



288 



So raged — till servants plead, 
And urge the leper's need 
Of trying such a very simple cure; 



" If it were something great 



Thou wouldst not hesitate." 
Their w^ords prevailed — he dipped and was made pure. 

The problem solved is this, 

To gain eternal bliss, 
Or anything we want on earth, from heaven — 

That while God doth provide, 

We must get rid of pride. 
And humbly take the path that he has given. 



Let us, vvhile mercies last, 
Like saved ones of the past. 

The present, or the future — fall in line 

To God's own terms, and pray 
For blessings every day. 

Christ died for us. We need no better sign. 



289 



"The Lord hath done jjreat things for us; whereof we are 
glad."— Psalms, 126:3. 

The Bi-Centenary of the Revolution of 1688. 

((,^^7^ HE Lord hath done g^reat things for us" 
\^) In bitter days gone by, 

When holy martyrs gave their lives 

Their faith to testify. 
The love our fathers sowed in tears 
We reap, to-day, in joy. 

Two hundred years ago our sires 

Were tortured everywhere, 
Because they would not let King James 

Their sacred rites prepare; 
Because they offered up to heaven 

A conscientious prayer. 

For this, the noblest, calmest mind 

With indignation thrills, 
And all our Christianity, 

With holy horror fills. 
To think for this, their precious blood 

Should stain our heather hills. 

But God was ever near their side, 

In every secret den; 
In pass or covert, — bush or barn; 

In mountain or in glen; 
And unto every prayer they gave 

The angels cried. Amen! 



290 



Till God in his own season said 

"Amen; so let it bel" 
And now to-day, we are on earth 

The freest of the free, 
Since we enjoy that priceless boon, 

Religious liberty! 

Then let us use that freedom well. 

And in these brighter days 
Remember those who bled and died 

On Scotia's banks and braes; 
That we in our own way might give 

To God our prayers and praise. 

And also think of Him who died — 
The Prince, and "King of kings" — 

Whose blameless life, whose glorious death, 
A better freedom brinsfs; 

Who, pleading now at God's right hand. 
Still does for us great things. 



291 



" Man shall not live by bread alone." — Matthew, 4: 4. 

eHRIST all the pangs of hunger bore 
When Satan tempthig said, 
"If thou hast power, why suffer more? 
Turn all these stones to bread!" 

Then came the answer, now well known, 
"Man shall not live by bread alone." 

O precious text, what comfort here 

The Savior doth imfold, 
That God's pure words are far more dear 
Than bread, or wine, or gold; 

That God's great laws have plainly shown, 
" Man shall not live by bread alone." 

Bread cannot change an evil course. 
Nor hush the "still small voice;" 
Nor calm the tempest of remorse, 
To make the heart rejoice. 

Like him who makes our grief his own — 
We dare not " live by bread alone." 



Bread will not help us to control 

A tendency to sin ; 
It does not feed the hungry soul 
When good desn-es begin ; 

It cannot bring us near God's throne — 
We must not "live by bread alone." 

They live the best who give the most 

Obedience to God's laws; 
Who make our Savior all their boast 
And hunger in his cause; 

Flesh of our flesh, bone of our bone, 
He would not " live by bread alone." 

Then let us also cast aside 

The tempter's every snare; 
God will not let us e'er be tried 
With more than we can bear. 

His grace has Satan's power o'erthrown- 
We do not "live bv bread alone." 



293 



"The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for bright- 
ness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall 
be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory."— 
Isaiah, 6o: 19. 



% 



OD'S ancient people learned, 

By symbols and by signs, 
Which sometimes brought idolatry 

Within their sacred lines. 
Their idols, feasts and fasts 

Their whole attention caught, 
As little children often are 

By object lessons taught. 



Thus God spake words to teach. 

Well suited to their way, 
" The moon shall light no more by night, 

Nor yet the sun by day; 
The Lord shall be thy Hght, 

Thy captives shall be free ; 
Thy walls, salvation; praise, thy gates, 

And God thy glory be." 



They understood the sign 

Of having no more night. 
But when our blessed Savior came 

They would not see the Light. 
The shadows still were prized, 

The substance cast aside; 
The Savior's great simplicity 

Was humbling to their pride. 
294 



Some think God far away, 

And only can be reached 
By ceremonial rites and priests 

And puzzling doctrines preached; 
But He is always near, 

And teaches every one 
That we can go direct to him 

Throuofh his illustrious son. 



Christ is our sun by day — 

He is our moon by night — 
Our great high priest, our sovereign lord. 

Our everlasting light; 
Our brother and our friend, 

Our shepherd and our guide; 
O Savior and, Redeemer, keep 

Us ever by thy side. 




295 




"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when 
thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in 
secret." — Matthew, 6:6. 



LONE with God; at dawn of day, 
He kindly teaches us to pray 
For guidance in the narrow way 

That leads to heaven above. 
Alone with God; at busy noon, 
The passing moments fly too soon. 
But oh! they are a valued boon. 

Those precious crumbs of love. 



Alone with God ; at silent eve. 
His promised blessings to receive; 
Such bliss the world cannot conceive, 

Nor give, nor take away. 
Alone with God; in silent night, 
The darkness aids the soul's keen sight 
To find in Him a better light 

Than sunshine in the day. 



296 



Alone with God; at midnight hour 

Wliile sinful unl)elievers cower, 

The Christian contemplates the power 

That triumphs o'er the grave. 
Alone with God; at any time, 
At any place, his glories shine 
And fill us with a joy divine 

That helps the soul to save. 

Alone with God; no matter where, 
He hears our penitential prayer. 
And lifts us out of every snare 

To priceless liberty. 
Alone with God; on land or sea, 
At home, abroad ; the bond, the free. 
The rich, the poor, can always be 

Alone, O God! with thee. 

Alone with God ; the boldest fear 
To falsely speak in His pure car; 
Just as we are we then appear 

Before His searching eye. 
Alone with God; there, face to face. 
We best reveal and find His orrace — 
Not shouting in the market place 

With wild fanatic cry. 



(20) 297 



Alone with God ; there all to gain — 
Our thoughts unuttered are as plain 
As when we ask in loudest strain 

His blessings to increase. 
Alone with God; a quiet psalm, 
Or gentle tears of holy balm, 
Like oil that stormy waters calm, 

Will give the supi^liant peace. 

Alone with God; instructions sweet; 

He teaches us to love to meet 

At church and school at Jesus' feet, 

To help us o'er life's road. 
Alone with Him, we learn to do 
Just as we would be done unto, 
And all who that good rule pursue 

Have been alone with God. 




298 



"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." — Mat- 
thew, 6: 12. 

/ I (ji" ORGIVE as we forgive" — O! let us pause 
Oj To think of what forgiveness we have shown; 
And when we pray, remember that small clause, 
For God to gauge his pardon by our own. 

"As we forgive." How very many say 
To some repentant one, "Yes, I forgive, 

But never shall forget you went astray. 

Henceforth we can no more together live." 

Or some will hesitate; — they do not know; 

Will see — will think it over; "you're to blame; 
'Tis very hard for you to treat m.e so, 

I do not think that I can be the same." 

And thus we might, in many ways, disclose 
Forgiveness on a selfish human plan; 

But God forbid that any one of those 

Should be the kind that He designed for man. 

Forgiveness such as Jesus consecrates; 

Forgiveness such as we wish to obtain — 
Our Savior plainly shows, where He relates 

The Prodigal's great welcome home again. 

Our reconciliation with our friends 

Should be of such a character as this — 

Full, free, forgiving love that never ends. 
But daily adds some new found happiness. 
299 



True charity forgets the sinful past. 

The battle o''er, we crown the victor's brow; 
The spring remembers not the winter's blast, 

Thinks not of what has been but what is now. 



They are the victors who forgive the best, 
No matter what may be the cause of strife; 

The Savioi"'s signature and words attest 
Those who forgive obtain eternal life. 



The trials we encounter day b}- day 

Are only tests, our faithfulness to prove. 

"Strait is the gate and narrow is the way;" 
Forgiveness is that gate, the way is Love, 



Which angels guard, rejoicing at the toll: 

Repentance, Faith, Hope, Charity and Prayer; 

And when we can forgive with all our soul 
The gate will open, and we enter there; 



And safeh' through, all sin is left behind. 

Then is "our calling and election sure;" 
No bitter memories of words unkind. 

Our jo}' for earth complete, and heaven secure. 

O let us then that sacred grace impart. 

In fullness such as we desire from heaven; 

No half-way measure, but with our whole heart, 
" Forgfive as we would like to be forsfiven." 



PARTING. 




OU have now your bouquet finished, 

But as yet we have not seen 
Many of the marvelous beauties 

Tliat surround this lovely scene; 
Here are mountains of true pleasure, 

There are rivers of delight, 
Streets of gold and walls of jasper. 

Gates of pearl and jewels bright. 

And away beyond that river 

There still greater wonders dwell 
Than have yet been seen by mortal. 

Or that living tongue can tell; 
Still, we get a slight conception 

Of the glories that abound. 
For the halo of their splendor 

Lights the garden allaround. 

I do hope you'll like the flowers 

That jou've gathered by the way, 
As we've wandered in God's sfarden 

On this holy Christmas day. 
And will often feel their frag-rance 

Creeping o'er you as a spell, 
'Till we meet beyond the river 

Where the greater wonders dwell. 

301 



>% 



AU REVOIR. 



Oh wondrous gift of poesy, 
That as a gentle aura 
From the inner reahii 
Falls like a benediction 
On the hearts of men. 



Old Friend, may this thy volume done 
Prelude a life work well begun, 
And all who view its pages o'er 
Find that which makes desire for more 
Breathe fondly, sweetly, Azi revoir. 



-Robert Mathesoii. 






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